A state of emergency is introduced in Hungary due to the energy crisis
On July 13, at an extraordinary meeting of the government to discuss the “European energy crisis”, a decision was made to introduce a state of emergency.
The decision was announced by the head of the administration of the Prime Minister of Hungary, Gergey Guijas. According to him, the country’s gas storages are less than half full – 44%, which is enough for a quarter of a year.
As explained in the Hungarian government, the purpose of implementing emergency measures is “preparation for the energy crisis, strengthening of energy security and protection against reduction of utility services against the background of further increase in energy prices.”
To this end, the country’s government has adopted a seven-point plan that will come into effect in August.
The plan provides that:
- Hungary will increase gas production from 1.5 billion to 2 billion cubic meters;
- the government authorized the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Peter Sijarto, to agree on the supply of additional gas reserves;
- the government will ban the export of energy carriers and firewood;
- the government will significantly increase production of lignite and anthracite by the end of the year;
- Matra power plant units should be restarted as soon as possible;
- the government initiates the continuation of Paksh NPP operation.
In addition, according to the plan, from August 1, the reduced price for gas and electricity will apply only up to the average level of consumption of a Hungarian household, and beyond this amount there will already be a market price.
At the same time, according to Gergei Guiyash, this provision will not apply to three quarters of households.
Despite the decisions made, the government is preparing for possible emergency shutdowns.
Source: HVG
