Orbán cabinet: Hungary’s agriculture can supply food to 22-23 million people in a good year

Hungary’s gas storages now contain a sufficient amount of 3.8 billion cubic metres, which is enough for 76 winter days, taking into consideration both household consumption and industrial consumption, Gulyás said.

Food supplies for the Hungarian population are not threatened despite the severe drought hitting the country this summer, he said. Hungary’s agriculture can supply food to 22-23 million people in a good year so supplies are sufficient despite the drought damage, he added.

In response to a question, Gulyás said no other European country was helping consumers like Hungary, up to an average consumption of gas and electricity. Hungarians pay gas bills of 17,000 forints (EUR 42) instead of the market price of 180,000 forints and state subsidies on electricity are also considerable, reaching a monthly 200,000 forints per household, he added.

The government is working on offering alternative methods for reducing gas consumption to households and proposals will be published within two weeks, he said.

In response to a question on damage compensation to farmers, he said the state was making every possible effort to help farmers get compensated. The government expects getting agricultural subsidies from the EU but “beyond these it is not worth waiting for more from the EU”, he added. The assessment of drought damage is still under way, he said.