Hungary’s Emergency Fuel Crisis Plan: New Legislation and Potential Implications
Hungary is actively developing contingency plans to address the possibility of a serious fuel crisis that could threaten the country’s energy security.
Recently, the government introduced a draft law that outlines procedures to be followed in emergency situations related to fuel supply disruptions.
This legislation was crafted in response to recent events, including a major fire at one of the country’s main oil processing facilities and the U.S.
sanctions imposed on Russian energy companies.
The draft law stipulates the creation of special operational modes for so-called emergency fueling stations, which are regulated by the government, to ensure the continuous supply of fuel during crises.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government assures that fuel supplies remain stable, despite temporary disruptions at MOL Nyrt., the largest oil refining company in Hungary.
Notably, on the night of October 21, a large fire broke out at the Százhalombatta refinery—Hungary’s only major oil processing plant—primarily processing Russian crude.
The fire was localized by firefighters by midday.
Hungary has been striving toward energy independence, but recent events highlight new challenges that require preparedness for various scenarios.
Prime Minister Orbán also hinted at the possibility of external attacks, complicating the situation further.
Given that the main refinery is located in Százhalombatta and mostly refines Russian oil, the incident underscores the importance of diversifying energy sources and implementing systemic safety measures for the country’s energy security in the future.