EU may abolish new Hungarian fuel sanctions
Petrol retailers say the new Hungarian government regulation is unenforceable. International lawyers say it is against EU rules that non-Hungarian citizens cannot buy fuel at a discounted price. This is because the law discriminates against EU citizens.
Only Hungarians can buy fuel at a discount
The government decree to end petrol tourism was published just before midnight on Thursday, writes 24.hu. Cars with foreign registration plates will not be allowed to buy petrol at the reduced price of 480 forints.
From Friday, foreigners will only be able to buy petrol and diesel at the market price in Hungary.
According to Gábor Egri, President of the Independent Petrol Stations Association, the regulation is unenforceable and unserviceable. “We were shocked to learn that the government decree, which was published at 23:58, came into force two minutes later, at 00:00. We are now trying to adjust the registers to the market price according to the decree, which means that by default, the buyer will have to pay 720 forints for fuel unless they can prove with their registration certificate that the vehicle has Hungarian registration plates, in which case they will be charged the official price of 480 forints. This can lead to a lot of conflicts and atrocities because if you do not have the registration document, you have to pay the higher price.”
Petrol stations have three days to adapt to the new regulation.
But the new regulation may not remain in force for long.
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Is the new rule discriminatory?
It is a fundamental EU rule that any discrimination between consumers is prohibited.
The dual pricing of fuel is in breach of EU rules on discrimination.
International lawyer Tamás Lattmann recalls a similar German example. The Germans wanted to make German motorways toll-free for foreign motorists. But EU law did not allow it. Dual pricing also raises consumer protection concerns. If the European Commission were to take action against Hungary, the Hungarian government could withdraw the regulation.
Austrian complaints against the regulation
Austrian experts say non-Hungarians are also suffering negative price discrimination. Hvg.hu reports that Austrian car clubs have complained about Hungary. ARBÖ and ÖAMT are also questioning the legality of the restrictions.
Experts from both organisations believe that even if it is illegal, the investigation could take a long time.
Read alsoHungarian Wizz Air to increase prices because of extra taxes?!
Source: 24.hu, hvg.hu
3 Comments
Another example of a Government, that continues to PRESS on with it’s AGENDA – far removed from the Core of Democracy but more likened – to a regime of a Dictatorship.
This government on-going FEUD – with the European Union widening – a country that it’s Economy is under extreme duress & pressure – that continues deepening displaying to the Global World, that Hungary, under the Leadership of Victor Orban – does not wish to be a Member of – the Communities of European Countrys.
That’s why our Politicians need Rule by Decree – let’s just throw proper scrutiny of laws and regulations out of window. As unnecessary as brakes on a car – they stop you from going fast!
This rule appears to favour those Hungarians with a car at the expense of Hungarians without a car. All Hungarians with a car are getting a massive discount of HUF 240 per each liter of fuel (720 – 480), which is payable at the expense of the Hungarian budget. All Hungarians are paying taxes to the budget but why only those with the car are getting this massive discount? Why would car-less Hungarians fund the fuel-guzzlers of Hungarians who do not want to replace their cars with an electric or hybrid one? This is totally beyond my understanding.