Hungarian gas stations face difficulties due to lower fuel prices

The new decree of the Hungarian government was introduced on Monday. It limits the price of 95 gasoline and diesel. From now on, petrol stations cannot charge more than HUF 480 per litre. In addition to that, they cannot change opening hours and product offerings either.

Cheaper fuel

From Monday, 15 November 2021, the price of the ESZ95 motor gasoline and the diesel gas oil, with CN code 2710 20 11, cannot exceed HUF 480. This cost is the gross price per litre.

Previously, gasoline cost HUF 506 and diesel cost HUF 512 on average.  

This regulation brings about an average HUF 26-32 discrease in the prices, writes napi.hu. If you buy 50 litres of petrol, you can save HUF 1,300. In the case of diesel fuel, you will spend HUF 1,600 less than before. The price change will be felt the most on the highways as the fuel is always more expensive at those petrol stations that operate there.

Gas stations are in trouble

The Hungarian government has not yet offered a tax credit to the gas station operators.

As a result, traders have to deal with the loss by themselves. Fidesz did not even consult with the sector. Over the weekend, the government introduced strict regulations in order to prevent gas stations from circumventing the new law. The new law states:

• Petrol stations must continue marketing the types of fuel that are covered by the law if they have done so in the past 3 months
• If they do not sell fuel, they must close down; they cannot open any other store at the premises
• The opening hours cannot be changed
• If the shop closes down, the operational rights must be transferred
• Even competitor companies can apply for those rights
• Failure to comply with the rules may result in a fine which can be up to HUF 3 million
• In case of repeated violations, the operation of the store will be terminated for half a year

The owner of holtankoljak.hu Eszter Bujdos expressed her concern in RTL News: “The introduction of the new regulations was a cold shower for many operators who are already facing a challenging situation due to the wage rise in January and the price increase of the raw materials. They are now compelled to sell fuel even if they cannot make a profit”.

Source: napi.hu, RTL News