By Max Gardus
Hungary is preparing for life without Russian gas. Economy and Energy Minister István Kapitány said the country expects to secure gas supplies from alternative sources by October 2027.
This would mark a significant shift for a country that remains one of the largest consumers of Russian pipeline gas in Europe. In 2025, Hungary imported around 7.5 billion cubic metres of gas from Russia. By comparison, the country’s total annual consumption is approximately 8 billion cubic metres.
Hungary is already seeking replacements through several routes. State-owned energy group MVM has reserved capacity for around 1 billion cubic metres per year through the liquefied natural gas terminal on the Croatian island of Krk.
A contract with Shell provides for another 200 million cubic metres per year from 2026. An agreement with France’s Engie will supply 400 million cubic metres annually between 2028 and 2038.
Hungary has also signed a framework agreement with Azerbaijan for another 800 million cubic metres over two years. Alternative supplies are therefore already being secured, although no single source can yet replace the volumes currently imported from Russia.
The main challenge is cost. MVM management acknowledges that it is physically possible to supply Hungary without Russian gas, but transporting LNG through European terminals and pipelines could make it more expensive.
The situation is further complicated by conditions on the European gas market. As of 17 September 2026, European gas storage facilities were only around 69% full, compared with a five-year average of approximately 85% for this time of year.
European gas prices have also risen by around 150% over the past year.
