Demand for LNG has skyrocketed following Russia-Ukraine war, giving Qatar and the United States significantly larger roles in supplying gas to Europe, and forcing landlocked countries, such as Hungary, to seek to diversify their energy sources, Reuters reported.

“We have reached a political agreement, which is now followed by talks between energy companies Qatargas and Hungary’s MVM to determine the quantity, pace and shipment route of the supplied gas to Hungary from 2027,” Szijjarto said.

Qatar, the world’s biggest LNG exporter, has no spare export capacity until 2027, the foreign minister added.

The Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to emailed questions for more detail on the amounts sought by Hungary, which still relies on Russia for much of its oil and gas needs.

Under a 15-year deal signed in 2021, Hungary currently receives 4.5 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas per year via Bulgaria and Serbia under a long-term deal with Russia.