BUDAPEST Reuters -- Hungary has passed a decree allowing the government to take over the supervision of vital energy firms and the gas pipeline network operator FGSZ in an emergency that requires it to ensure continuous supply.
The decree, signed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, covers key firms in the power, gas and oil industries, as well as district heating firms and mining, along with gas pipeline operator FGSZ and a fuel and gas stockpiling association.
Hungary is about 85% dependent on Russian gas imports and 65% on crude oil imports from Russia.
Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto earlier this month said that Gazprom chief executive and Russia's deputy prime minister Alexander Novak assured him that the company would meet its obligations to Hungary set out in its long-term gas supply contract.
On Monday, Szijjarto said Hungary's gas storages were more than 39% full, which is equivalent to 2.7 billion cubic meters in store.
According to a deal with Gazprom signed last year, Hungary receives 3.5 billion cubic metres bcm of gas per year via Bulgaria and Serbia and a further 1 bcm via a pipeline from Austria. The deal lasts for 15 years.