The Hungarian government has convened an emergency meeting of its defence task force to address growing concerns over the country’s water and energy systems as an intense heatwave continues to grip Hungary. Prime Minister Péter Magyar said key decisions would be taken on Friday evening following consultations with ministers, infrastructure operators and regulators.

Speaking at a press conference at MOL’s Danube Refinery in Százhalombatta, Magyar said the government would hold an emergency session of its defence task force on Friday evening to decide on the most urgent measures needed to respond to the developing situation.

According to the prime minister, the task force brings together members of the government, representatives of regulatory authorities, public agencies and the operators of Hungary’s critical infrastructure.

Before the meeting, Magyar said he would continue consultations with ministers, regulators and infrastructure leaders, including further discussions in Paks, where the government has been monitoring the impact of the Danube’s exceptionally low water level on the country’s energy supply. The government said it would announce the decisions taken after the meeting.

Magyar said Hungary’s water utility companies had prepared extensively for the heatwave and the increased demand for drinking water. However, he warned that many households were still ignoring official requests to reduce water consumption.

According to the prime minister, some residents have continued watering gardens and filling swimming pools despite repeated appeals to conserve water. He urged the public to avoid these activities over the coming days in order to help maintain a stable drinking water supply, describing uninterrupted water service as the government’s highest priority.

Thousands lose water supply in Hungary as Paks output is cut and red warnings are issued

The prime minister also renewed his appeal for voluntary energy-saving measures, particularly among large industrial consumers. He praised companies that have already announced reductions in electricity use, citing Samsung and the Budapest Municipality as examples. At the same time, he encouraged businesses to go even further.

“I ask companies to multiply those figures by two or three before sending us the email,” Magyar said, referring to the voluntary energy-saving commitments submitted to the government.

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Despite the mounting pressure caused by the prolonged heatwave, Magyar sought to reassure the public. “We have the situation under control, and it can remain under control,” he said. At the same time, he cautioned that the current period of extreme weather could last not only for several days but potentially for weeks. To minimise disruption and damage, he said, genuine cooperation between the government, businesses and the public would be essential.

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