At Thursday’s Government Info press conference, Minister Gergely Gulyás, the minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office, addressed the current state of Hungary’s energy security and the situation surrounding the Druzhba oil pipeline. According to Minister Gulyás, the restart of crude oil deliveries depends entirely on a decision by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as Hungary sees no technical obstacles preventing the pipeline from operating.
Minister Gulyás explained that the government meeting held on Wednesday focused heavily on the consequences of ongoing conflicts for Europe’s energy security. One of the central issues discussed was the disruption of oil transport through the Druzhba pipeline, which remains a critical supply route for Hungary and several other countries in the region.
“The restart of oil deliveries depends entirely on the Ukrainian president,” Minister Gulyás said in response to a question during the press conference. According to the minister, there are no technical barriers that would prevent the pipeline from functioning. He added that if technical problems existed, the Ukrainian authorities should allow experts to inspect the infrastructure.
Minister Gulyás also stated that the pipeline has not been restarted following a direct order from President Zelensky not to do so. He noted that Hungarian authorities find it concerning that Ukrainian officials have not allowed specialists to examine the condition of the pipeline, suggesting that such restrictions raise questions about the real reasons behind the suspension.
To clarify the situation, the Hungarian government has established a fact-finding mission led by State Secretary Gábor Czepek. The delegation stands ready to travel to Ukraine and assess the state of the pipeline if permission is granted. In the meantime, the government has taken precautionary steps to ensure domestic energy stability.
As part of these measures, Hungary has released 250,000 tons of crude oil from its strategic reserves. Minister Gulyás noted that the refinery in Százhalombatta operates most efficiently when supplied with Urals crude, making the restoration of deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline particularly important for maintaining optimal production levels.
The minister also emphasized that the government has increased the protection of energy infrastructure across the country. Authorities have introduced a drone flight ban in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County as part of broader efforts to safeguard key facilities.
Beyond energy security, Minister Gulyás announced that teachers working in vocational training will receive the previously announced immediate payment of HUF 154,000.
During the briefing, the minister also addressed broader issues related to the war and Hungary’s international relations. He noted that Russia has confirmed its readiness to deliver the quantities of oil and natural gas stipulated in its long-term agreements with Hungary.
In response to another question, Minister Gulyás said that Hungarian authorities would not share information with the Ukrainian foreign ministry regarding prisoners who were recently released from Moscow.
Turning to a separate topic, the minister explained that the government decided to postpone several planned excise tax increases due to inflationary pressure on households.
The Government Info briefing also touched on evacuation efforts involving Hungarian citizens abroad. Minister Gulyás said that no evacuations had taken place from the United Arab Emirates in recent days because the risks associated with takeoff were considered greater than remaining in place.
Concluding the discussion, the minister emphasized that Hungary continues to assist citizens affected by the war wherever possible. “Anyone who falls into captivity during the conflict can count on Hungary to help within the limits of its capabilities,” Minister Gulyás said.
