Hungary turns to Romania for help in diversifying its energy sources

Hungary wants to expand its gas sector cooperation with Romania to diversify energy sources. Their respective companies are already in negotiations for an agreement.

Szijjarto stated that Hungary is keen to work with Romania in energy matters as Romania will soon become a net gas exporter as a result of a new offshore field starting production.

In a few weeks, Romania could begin drilling at the Neptun Deep field, which is one of the most important gas deposits in the European Union. This will allow it to double its production and possibly become a net gas exporter.

Szijjarto, after signing an agreement of energy solidarity with Sebastian Ioan Burduja (energy minister of Romania), said: "This new field will be the only gas source fresh in the region which can contribute to the diversification of energy."

The Hungarian Foreign Minister said: "Our companies have already begun the necessary commercial negotiation and we hope that they will achieve an agreement which represents progress for both nations."

Szijjarto said the interconnector was used last year to trade a total amount of 1.8 billion cubic meters. The interconnector has a total capacity of 2.6 billion cubic metres per year.

After Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Hungary and some of its neighbors are under increasing pressure to diversify away from Russian energy.

Viktor Orban, the Prime Minister of Hungary in December, said that Hungary imported 7.5 billion cubic meters of Russian gas last year via the Turkstream pipe and an additional amount via Romania. The country also produces around 1-1.5 billion cu m of gas.

(source: Reuters)