Orbán Suggests External Attack Possible in Hungary's Largest Oil Refinery Fire

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has indicated that the recent fire at the MOL-operated oil refinery in Százhalombatta could potentially have been caused by an external attack, although investigations are still ongoing and no definitive cause has been established. He referenced remarks by Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, who suggested Ukraine could target the Druzhba pipeline, a vital oil supply route to Hungary, but Orbán expressed hope that this was not the case. The refinery is Hungary’s largest and a key strategic facility, primarily processing Russian crude oil, highlighting Hungary’s continuing dependence on Russian energy despite broader EU efforts to reduce such reliance. Orbán has directed that any financial losses from the incident not be passed on to consumers through higher fuel prices, underscoring concerns about the economic impact including recent fuel price surges. The prime minister is also preparing to discuss energy sanctions with US President Donald Trump, as Hungary faces international pressure to curtail Russian oil imports. Despite MOL stating there is no evidence of sabotage, Orbán's comments have sparked political debate, with Hungary pursuing a pragmatic energy policy that diverges from many EU members' stance amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.