Independent petrol stations warned that “serious motor fuel supply problems” could arise in the coming 2-3 weeks, or sooner, if they must continue to sell their diesel at cost, the head of the Association of Independent Petrol Stations (FBSZ) told MTI on Tuesday. MOL talks about no looming diesel shortage.
Many fuel stations may close soon
László Gépész said independent petrol stations couldn’t sell at cost and pay a windfall profit tax at the same time. Hungarian oil and gas company MOL, which supplies motor fuel across the country, has said strategic reserves of diesel are expected to be exhausted on Wednesday and instructed petrol stations to sell at cost from Thursday.
Gépész said independent petrol stations could restrict sales volume until their own stocks run out or close when they have no more diesel to sell. He warned that a surge in demand could accelerate the depletion of inventories. FBSZ pressed for “immediate steps” to address the matter.
MOL denies looming diesel shortage
When asked by MTI, MOL said Hungary’s motor fuel supply, of both petrol and diesel, is “stable”. It confirmed that the state’s strategic reserves of diesel could run out by midnight on Wednesday, but said it would continue to supply its partners from its own production, ensuring continuous supply of motor fuel across the country.
Hungary tapped state motor fuel and crude reserves after deliveries of Russian crude through the Druzhba pipeline ceased late in January. Deliveries resumed late in April.
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