While other EU countries want to get rid of Russian gas quickly, Hungary has signed a new gas deal with Moscow. Hungary’s 15-year contract with the Kremlin in 2021 is already being extended.
Hungary has agreed with Russia’s Gazprom that if Hungary wants to receive more gas than stipulated in the previous agreement, Gazprom can supply it. Hungary therefore has to pay a maximum of 150 euros per cubic meter for this. According to Hungary correspondent Stefan Bos, the new deal puts a “bomb on relations” with Brussels and Washington DC, even though Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has his reasons. ‘Of course you also look at energy prices in the Netherlands and other countries. If you compare that to what you pay in Hungary, then it’s hundreds of euros versus a few tens. Obviously Orban would like to keep it that way.”
“Government requires Hungary to follow in Russia’s footsteps”
Bos also hints at the ‘good ties’ the Hungarian prime minister has with Russian president Putin. “Orban then sent his foreign minister to Moscow to ratify the deal.” The Hungarian opposition is unhappy with the agreement. «He is very angry, but he understands that prices need to be kept under control a bit. However, the opposition wants Orban to show more solidarity.’
More oil
The deal also means that Russia will be more involved in the renovation of a nuclear power plant in Hungary. Russia has allocated a loan of ten billion euros for this. Hungary will also import more crude oil from Russia. “For now, Hungary will not turn off Russian energy.” The fear, however, is that Hungary will now become even more dependent on Russia. “The government is making sure that Hungary keeps pace with Russia.”
The Hungarians, on the other hand, don’t seem to care, says the correspondent. “They say they don’t like Ukraine, but he also doesn’t like paying more for gas. They can understand the deal.’
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
