Hungary-US Russian energy sanctions negotiations

The Hungarian government is actively lobbying the United States for an extension of sanctions exemptions regarding its continued purchase of Russian oil and gas. This follows the signing of the ‘Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026’, which permits tariffs of up to 100% on goods from major buyers of Russian energy.

Hungarian officials, including Marton Hajdu of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, have met with U.S. lawmakers to request support during Hungary’s transition period. Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s administration has stated a goal to end reliance on Russian energy by 2035, characterizing the current dependency as a ‘systemic risk.’

Foreign Minister Anita Orban noted that the Hungarian energy group MOL requires more time to implement the technological changes necessary for diversification. The current exemption, originally negotiated between former leader Viktor Orban and President Donald Trump, is scheduled to expire on November 21. Hungary is currently seeking a one-year waiver to mitigate economic vulnerability, as over 90% of its oil and gas imports originate from Russia.

In late September, officials reiterated the need for an extension beyond November, noting that imports arrive via pipelines through Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Serbia. By mid-October, Prime Minister Magyar expressed hope for the extension, stating it would be ‘illogical’ not to extend the exemption for at least another year, particularly following a White House agreement regarding diesel fuel exports. Minister of Economy and Energy Istvan Kapitanj added that Moscow remains the primary supplier of gas and oil due to economic viability, despite the availability of alternatives.