Hungary asks EU to take action against Bulgaria's transit tax on Russian gas

Recently, there has been strife in the European Union regarding the sanctions and taxes against Russian products and gas. Hungary still heavily relies on Russian natural gas, which poses a problem as Bulgaria has imposed a tax on Russian natural gas that passes through their country going into Bulgaria. This has created a strenuous situation for the EU as they will have to decide whether Bulgaria is legally allowed to impose a transportation tax on an item that is intended for another country. I find this ordeal a bit difficult to decide on as Bulgaria technically does have the right to tax this item as they allow it to be transported through their country. On the other hand, the goods being sold to Hungary are not related to Bulgaria other than the transportation aspect. I am curious how the EU will rule on this issue, but my assumption is that Bulgaria will be allowed to uphold this tax as the majority of the EU is sanctioning and taxing Russian goods, as well as trying to abstain from buying Russian products in general. 

Bulgaria believes that they have the right to do this as it “will reduce the privileged position of Russia’s state-owned energy company Gazprom in southeastern Europe and deter Russian influence in the region”. Not only is Hungary dissatisfied, but Serbia is as well as both countries rely on Russian gas. The European Commission will decide whether this is permissible or not. The tax is a bit hefty as it is “10 euros per MWh of Russian gas last month”. Hungary’s overall concern is that “gravely endangers the energy security of Hungary and the entire region”. Unfortunately, both Serbia and Hungary are very pro-Russian and will likely continue their use of Russian gas. Personally, I hope that this tax is upheld because the war that Russia has waged on Ukraine is unjust and purchasing Russian gas only fuels their war.