Orban says Hungary wants to buy more Russian natural gas

MOSCOW, Feb 1 (PRIME) -- Europe is crippled by energy crisis, but Hungary welcomes new contracts with gas giant Gazprom signed in 2021, and wants to buy more Russian gas, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban told President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday.

“Taking into account the fact that entire Europe is suffering from an energy gas crisis, signing of the contracts (with Gazprom) was very important. We are thankful for that, and I would like to increase the supplies during our meeting today,” he said.

Putin said that the contracts with Gazprom that are valid until 2036 ensure reliability of gas supplies to Hungary.

“Last year Gazprom signed two long-term contracts to sell Russian natural gas to Hungary until 2036. Reliability of supplies is ensured,” he said, adding that the deals ensure that Hungary gets gas at a price five times below the current market price in Europe.

The energy sector is an important part of cooperation between Russia and Hungary. Trade turnover between the two countries grew by 30% in January–November 2021, and large joint projects, and construction of a nuclear power plant, are going on. Energy supplies are stable, Putin said.

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