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Hungary's Russian Oil Dependence Fuels Election Pressure

2/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Hungary continues to purchase Russian oil despite access to alternative supplies, according to the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD).
The report says savings from cheaper oil have not been passed to consumers, yielding higher fuel prices in Hungary than in the Czech Republic.
The findings put pressure on Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government ahead of April elections, challenging his energy-cost claims and reliance on Russian oil.

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Story summary

Hungary continues to purchase Russian oil despite access to alternative supplies, according to the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD).
The report says savings from cheaper oil have not been passed to consumers, yielding higher fuel prices in Hungary than in the Czech Republic.
The findings put pressure on Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government ahead of April elections, challenging his energy-cost claims and reliance on Russian oil.