Hungary’s energy security hangs in the balance as the nation seeks an exemption from newly enacted U.S. sanctions targeting countries that continue to purchase Russian oil and gas. The sanctions, part of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, could impose tariffs of up to 100% on major purchasers of Russian energy, potentially impacting Hungary’s heavily Russian-dependent energy supply.
In a bid to mitigate these effects, Márton Hajdú, chairman of Hungary’s Foreign Affairs Committee, has engaged with Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Hajdú emphasized Hungary’s urgent need to diversify its energy sources while petitioning for an exemption from the U.S. measures. Hungary currently imports about 5 million tonnes of Russian crude oil and 4.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas each year, underscoring its vulnerability to the new sanctions.
The legislation, signed by President Donald Trump on September 18, grants the U.S. administration the authority to levy significant tariffs on major importers of Russian oil and natural gas. Although exemptions are possible, Hungary’s request highlights the potential strain on its energy supplies and the broader implications for its international relationships, particularly with the United States.
In response to the looming sanctions, Hungary’s TISZA party has announced plans to develop strategies aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on Russian energy. The outcome of Hungary’s request for an exemption could play a crucial role in shaping future Hungary-U.S. relations as the sanctions are applied.