Fuel supply disruption warning issued, Hungary faces potential petrol station closures

Hungary could face fuel supply disruptions after the Független Benzinkutak Szövetsége (FBSZ), the Association of Independent Petrol Stations, warned that several stations may be forced to suspend operations.

In a statement sent to the Hungarian News Agency (MTI), the group said that rising taxes and unresolved financial support issues have made operations increasingly unsustainable.

Accusations over unmet government commitments

The association claims that an agreement reached ahead of the elections between fuel retailers and the outgoing government, including the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of National Economy, has not been fulfilled.

Under the deal, petrol stations reportedly agreed to continue operating despite losses linked to earlier regulatory measures, while the government pledged compensation based on a model similar to that used during the 2022 fuel price cap scheme.

However, the FBSZ says these financial commitments were not honoured, leaving many operators in a severe financial deficit, HVG writes.

“Unbearable losses” and rising tax burden

According to the statement, independent petrol stations are now facing “unbearable levels” of losses, further aggravated by a high sector-specific tax burden.

The group warned that, under current conditions, maintaining operations is no longer viable and temporary closures may be unavoidable.

Customers were advised not to be surprised if they encounter closed fuel stations, although the association stressed that operators should not be blamed for the situation.

Warning of potential disruptions

The FBSZ cautioned that fuel supply disruptions could occur if the situation is not resolved quickly, particularly in areas dependent on independent retailers.

The association also criticised what it described as a failure by the outgoing government to meet its obligations.

Call for political resolution

The group has called on the outgoing government to honour its commitments and settle outstanding support payments.

At the same time, it urged the incoming administration led by Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party to engage in dialogue with industry representatives.

The FBSZ said it hopes for a “fair, functioning and sustainable system” for the fuel sector in the future.

What happens next?

With tensions rising between independent operators and policymakers, the coming days may be critical in determining whether Hungary’s fuel retail sector can avoid further disruption or whether temporary station closures will become a reality.

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