The Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations, Peter Szijjártó, stated that the country must pursue fresh pathways for oil and gas supplies following disruptions caused by the war in Ukraine. This assessment was reported by Bloomberg TV.
As the head of Hungary’s foreign affairs ministry explained, promising opportunities are emerging through collaboration with Turkey, as well as with countries across the Transcaucasus and Central Asia, opening corridors that could help diversify energy imports.
“We need new connections, new supply routes, and the Turkish states present a strong chance to act as a bridge between the East and the West,” Szijjártó noted during remarks about the shifting energy landscape.
The diplomat added that Hungary had formalized an agreement with Turkey to purchase 275 million cubic meters of natural gas at the start of the upcoming year. This contract aligns with Hungary’s broader strategy to secure dependable energy sources amid regional tensions.
Earlier this year, Hungary purchased about 100 million cubic meters of natural gas from Azerbaijan. Szijjártó signaled that there are ongoing plans to acquire additional gas supplies from Turkmenistan and Qatar as part of a broader diversification effort.
In earlier months, Hungary had warned about the potential consequences of disruptions to the gas import route from Russia, emphasizing the need for resilient energy security measures. The country also responded to fluctuating oil markets, noting that price swings influence strategic energy decisions, including when benchmark oil prices move toward lower levels.
The discussions reflect a broader European shift toward multi-source energy strategies, where regional cooperation and new transit routes are viewed as essential to reducing dependence on any single corridor. As energy dynamics evolve, Hungary appears committed to fostering regional partnerships that could facilitate more reliable supply lines while supporting economic stability across Central Europe.
At the same time, officials stressed the importance of transparent contracts and steady supply commitments to reassure industries and consumers that energy access will remain steady even as geopolitical tensions continue. The Hungarian government continues to monitor developments with partner nations and international energy suppliers to align contracts with the country’s long-term energy security goals.
The strategic goal remains clear: build diversified, secure routes that enhance resilience against supply disruptions and price volatility. In this context, Turkey and neighboring regions are increasingly viewed as pivotal transit hubs that could help balance supply across Europe while offering Hungary a broader set of options for gas and oil.
Market observers note that securing steady gas supplies from a mix of sources is crucial for Hungary’s industrial output and household energy costs. By strengthening ties with Turkey and regional producers, Budapest aims to stabilize its energy portfolio and contribute to the broader regional stability in energy markets.
As plans unfold, energy policy experts will be watching how these new routes perform in practice, particularly during peak demand periods and in the face of potential supply disruptions. In the coming months, updates from officials and state partners are expected to clarify how quickly these corridors can begin delivering reliable volumes to Hungary and its neighboring markets. Attribution: Bloomberg TV coverage and official statements from Hungary’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.