Hungary’s TISZA party is actively seeking an exemption from the newly enacted U.S. sanctions targeting nations that continue to purchase Russian oil and gas, citing potential disruptions to the country’s energy supply. This request comes in light of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which empowers the U.S. administration to levy tariffs of up to 100% on major importers of Russian energy, subject to conditions and exemptions.
Márton Hajdú, who chairs Hungary’s Foreign Affairs Committee, has been advocating for this exemption during discussions with Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Hajdú emphasized TISZA’s intent to secure U.S. support in diversifying Hungary’s energy sources, a strategic move necessary given Hungary’s significant reliance on Russian energy imports. The country currently imports approximately 5 million tonnes of Russian crude oil and 4.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually.
Hungary’s dependence on Russian energy has prompted the TISZA party to formulate strategies aimed at reducing this reliance while simultaneously pushing for an exclusion from the new U.S. measures. The pursuit of an exemption is seen as critical to ensuring Hungary’s energy stability amid the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding energy supplies.
The enactment of this legislation, signed by President Donald Trump on September 18, positions Hungary’s energy policy at a crossroads, potentially influencing future Hungary-U.S. relations. As the U.S. administration begins to implement the new tariffs, it remains to be seen which countries will secure exemptions, a decision that could have significant ramifications for Hungary’s energy landscape and its diplomatic ties with the United States.