Owners of eligible diesel cars in Hungary will receive HUF 5,000 (approximately EUR 13.75) a month in fuel support through December, with the first payment due in October. The scheme is expected to benefit nearly one million motorists.
Who qualifies for the support?
The payment will cover September, October, November and December, meaning eligible drivers can receive HUF 20,000 (EUR 55) in total. The scheme applies to private individuals who owned a diesel passenger car with a maximum output of 150 horsepower on 1 January 2026. Each person can receive support for one vehicle.
Small-scale farmers and sole proprietors can also qualify if the eligible diesel vehicle is registered in their personal name. People who purchased a diesel car after 1 January 2026 are not yet covered by the main system. A separate procedure is reportedly being prepared, although details and a timetable have not yet been announced.
No application expected for most drivers
Most eligible motorists will not need to submit an application. The National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) will identify qualifying vehicles using its database for vehicle tax.
Payments will be made by the Hungarian State Treasury. The money will first be sent to the bank account used to pay the vehicle tax. If that account is unavailable, another account known to NAV may be used. Those without a suitable bank account may receive the money by post.
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Farmers to receive additional diesel relief
Agricultural users will also be able to reclaim the full excise duty included in the price of diesel until the end of the year. The government says the measure is intended to help farmers cope with higher fuel costs during the harvest, autumn ploughing and sowing season, while limiting the impact on production costs and, ultimately, food prices.
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Why has the government chosen targeted support?
The announcement comes as diesel prices have risen sharply. The government says returning to Hungary’s previous regulated fuel price would be difficult, potentially discouraging imports and creating supply problems.
It estimates that restoring the former protected price could cost the state HUF 50–100 billion (EUR 137.5-275 million) per month. Instead, the government has opted for direct support targeted at diesel users. The authorities have attributed recent fuel-price pressures to international market developments, including tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on oil infrastructure linked to the Russia-Ukraine war.
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