Hungary’s Orban expects gas deal with Russia this summer

BUDAPEST (Reuters) -Hungary expects to signal a cope with Russia on extra gasoline shipments of 700 million cubic metres by the tip of summer season, Prime Minister Viktor Orban advised state radio on Friday.

The 2 nations have been in talks for additional provides on prime of an present long-term provide pact.

“Hungary may have sufficient gasoline,” Orban mentioned.

“We’re negotiating with the Russians to purchase a further 700 million cubic metres of gasoline, this deal will be signed throughout the summer season, after which we will likely be protected,” he added.

In line with information from Gasoline Infrastructure Europe, Hungary’s gasoline storages are about 50% full now, overlaying 29% of its annual consumption.

European Union member Hungary has maintained what it calls pragmatic relations with Moscow since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, creating tensions with some EU allies eager to take a harder line.

Hungary, which is about 85% depending on Russian gasoline, firmly opposes the concept of EU sanctions on Russian gasoline imports.

Below a 15-year cope with Russia’s Gazprom signed final yr, Hungary receives 3.5 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gasoline per yr through Bulgaria and Serbia, and an extra 1 bcm through a pipeline from Austria.

(Reporting by Krisztina Than; modifying by Clarence Fernandez and Jason Neely)