As Europe will most likely not have enough gas for the autumn and winter heating season, the Hungarian government declared an energy emergency and has approved a seven-point plan from August 1.
For example, the government decided to boost domestic gas production to 2 billion cubic meters from 1.5 billion. An export ban was imposed on energy carriers and firewood. Domestic coal production will be increased by the end of the year. The coal-fired Mátra power plant should be restarted as soon as possible and the operating time of the nuclear power plant Paks should be extended.
Private households with above-average energy consumption should either reduce their consumption or pay market prices. From August 1, a monthly average consumption of 210 kWh/month for electricity and 144 cubic meters of gas/month applies for the reduction in additional costs. The average annual consumption had been 2,523 kWh for electricity and 1,529 cubic meters for gas. A higher limit applies for families with three children: 2,329 cubic meters, with an additional consumption of 300 cubic meters for each additional child per year. Three quarters of households will not be affected by the changes.
In addition, the government has drawn up an emergency plan and a shutdown sequence, but the supply is currently still continuous.