Hungary’s Tisza party leader Péter Magyar has said the country cannot abandon Russian oil supplies at present, stressing the continued importance of deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline and expressing hope that flows will resume after recent disruptions.

Speaking on Kossuth Radio, Magyar underlined that the issue is tied to geography and infrastructure. “This is very important and Hungary simply cannot give up on it now. If it wanted to do it now, from a geographical point of view it would be completely impossible,” he said, adding that “Russia will remain in its place, and so will Hungary.”

He noted that Budapest is expecting the restoration of pipeline operations by the end of April, after Ukraine halted supplies earlier this year. According to Magyar, the interruption has already affected Hungary’s energy system, forcing the government to draw on strategic reserves to supply domestic refineries.

“We will try to obtain oil from as many sources as possible, while striving for the most favorable conditions,” he said, stressing that rebuilding reserves would take time even if deliveries resume. He added that stocks have already fallen by around 20% in recent weeks.

Magyar also pointed out that although a restart of the Druzhba pipeline would ease pressure on supply, replenishing reserves would not be immediate. He linked this to broader global market constraints, noting that disruptions connected to tensions in the Middle East have tightened oil availability.

“It will take weeks, maybe months, for supplies to resume for the global economy,” he said, referring to broader market conditions affecting imports from other regions.

The Tisza leader also confirmed he had not yet discussed the issue with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, noting that such diplomatic contacts are currently the responsibility of Prime Minister Viktor Orban until the new government takes office.