Hungary's
natural gas imports from Russia
through Ukraine
came to a complete stop Tuesday afternoon, Csaba Molnar, minister in charge of
energy issues said Tuesday.
As a result Hungary
can't fulfill its gas transit obligations to Serbia
and Bosnia,
Molnar said at a press briefing.
The ministry also called on local power plants to switch to using alternative
energy sources, thus shaving between 6 million-8 million cubic meters from Hungary's
daily gas consumption of around 68 mcm.
The minister said it was likely restrictions on gas usage will have to be put
in place if the current situation persists and a decision on this issue will
likely be made Tuesday night.
Russian energy giant OAO Gazprom (GAZP.RS) cut gas deliveries through Ukraine,
severely disrupting supplies to Europe.
Hungary is
currently taking 52 mcm of gas from storage, the daily maximum, said Janos
Zsuga, chief executive officer of Foldgazszallito Zrt., the gas transit and
system operator.
No decision has been reached yet whether to free up Hungary's
strategic gas reserves, Molnar said.
Zsuga said Hungary
had enough gas in its storage facilities to secure supply for "several
weeks."
"The supply of retail customers is in no danger" even in the light of
an expected cold spell over the weekend, Zsuga said.