Hungary’s TISZA party is actively seeking an exemption from the newly enacted U.S. sanctions targeting countries that continue to purchase Russian oil and gas. The request comes amid concerns over Hungary’s heavy reliance on Russian energy imports and the potential impact on its energy security.
The push for an exemption follows the passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by the U.S. Congress, which President Donald Trump signed into law on September 18. This legislation empowers the U.S. administration to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and natural gas, although it allows for conditions and exemptions.
Márton Hajdú, chairman of Hungary’s Foreign Affairs Committee, has been at the forefront of this effort, engaging with Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives to discuss the issue. Hajdú emphasized that TISZA is seeking U.S. support to diversify Hungary’s energy sources and reduce its dependency on Russian energy supplies.
Hungary currently imports approximately 5 million tonnes of Russian crude oil and 4.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually, illustrating its significant reliance on Russian energy. In response to the new U.S. measures, the TISZA party has expressed its intention to develop strategies aimed at decreasing this dependence while simultaneously pursuing an exemption from the sanctions.
As the U.S. begins to implement the legislation, the situation could play a significant role in shaping Hungary-U.S. relations. The determination of which countries will face additional tariffs remains a crucial issue, and the outcome may have broader implications for Hungary’s energy policy and diplomatic ties with the United States.