Hungary has declared a a state of emergency on energy, aiming to impose an export ban of fuels such as gas, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s chief of staff, Gergely Gulyas, informs, as reported by Reuters.

The eastern European nation also aims to boost domestic gas output in order to ensure supply of energy during winter.

This is part of a seven-point plan, the measures of which will come into effect during August, according to Gulyas.

Exact details on the shape and form of the export ban – and what it entails – are still scant.

Gas supplies to Europe have been reduced, and fuels costs have increased dramatically following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February.

All over Europe, nations are struggling to refill gas inventories and seek out alternatives to gas.

Pressure is mounting on Orban, who is facing some of the most difficult challenges since taking office in 2010.

Inflation is record-high, while the Hungarian currency has sunk to a record low, and the EU consistently criticizes the nation’s lacking democratic standards.

Aside from raising gas output, Hungary will also ramp up production of lignite.

Another element of the plan is that a special discount in energy prices for customers with higher-than-average consumption will be rescinded, meaning that customers will have to pay market prices.

According to news agency AFP, Gulyas remarks that this could affect a fourth of the population.

At present, there is no disruption of Hungary’s gas supply, notes Gulyas and adds that Hungarian households must be spared future sanctions to the greatest extent possible.

”Wastefulness can no longer be afforded anywhere. Every alternative should be looked at that provides incentives for the most sparing use of energy,” the chief of staff remarks, according to Reuters.

Russia currently supplies 85% of the nation’s gas needs.

Meanwhile, Hungary’s gas inventories are 44% full, which amounts to about a fourth of the annual consumption.

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