Hungary prepares to phase out Russian oil imports

Hungarian oil and gas company Mol said it can replace up to 80% of Russian crude supplies through alternative sources via the pipeline from Croatia, signaling a potential policy shift by Budapest.

According to Bloomberg, this marks the first sign of change in Mol’s and Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s stance, after years of insisting that Hungary had no viable alternative supply routes.

Mol said the Croatian route would raise costs and logistical risks but make the country less dependent on Russian oil.

The move comes amid EU plans to end Russian oil imports and mounting pressure from the United States to curb Moscow’s energy revenues.

Orban is expected to discuss energy sanctions and seek a possible delay in their implementation during his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday.