Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has publicly called for the European Union to lift sanctions on Russian oil as energy prices continue to rise sharply. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Orbán argued that soaring oil prices necessitate a review of the EU's sanctions policy against Russian energy exports.
According to reports, Orbán stated that 'the Ukrainian oil blockade and the war in the Middle East are causing oil prices to shoot up. Europe must act.' The Hungarian leader added that he has urged European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to 'review' and 'lift' sanctions on Russian energy.
the Ukrainian oil blockade and the war in the Middle East are causing oil prices to shoot up. Europe must act.
Orbán reportedly announced he has called an emergency government meeting for Monday to discuss measures to prevent gasoline and diesel prices from rising in Hungary. The price of Brent crude oil has risen significantly in recent weeks, reportedly trading at $103 per barrel on Monday afternoon.
The call comes amid growing concerns about energy costs across Europe, though there has been no immediate response reported from the European Commission regarding Orbán's request to reconsider sanctions that were implemented following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.