The geopolitical landscape surrounding energy imports is shifting as the United States enacts new measures targeting nations reliant on Russian oil and gas. Central to this development is the recent passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which enables the US administration to impose significant tariffs on countries that continue to purchase Russian energy resources. This legislation, signed by President Donald Trump on September 18, poses challenges for countries heavily dependent on these imports, such as Hungary.
Hungary’s TISZA party is actively seeking an exemption from these US sanctions due to the country’s substantial reliance on Russian energy. Hungary imports approximately 5 million tonnes of Russian crude oil and 4.5 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually, illustrating its vulnerability to the potential economic impact of the new tariffs. In response, TISZA is advocating for US support to diversify Hungary’s energy sources, aiming to mitigate the risks associated with the sanctions.
Efforts to secure exemptions were discussed during meetings between Márton Hajdú, chairman of Hungary’s Foreign Affairs Committee, and Republican members of the US House of Representatives. Hajdú emphasized the importance of US backing in Hungary’s strategy to reduce its dependency on Russian energy. The TISZA party is simultaneously working on plans to explore alternative energy sources, which would lessen the country’s reliance on Russian imports.
The implementation of the new US sanctions could have significant implications for Hungary-US relations. As Washington evaluates which nations might face additional tariffs, Hungary’s request for an exemption places a spotlight on its diplomatic engagements with the United States. The outcome of these discussions may influence Hungary’s energy policies and its broader diplomatic ties with the US.