Those who refuel in this way in Hungary may receive serious punishment

Although there may be minor supply problems at domestic gas stations, it seems to be ensured for the time being. At the same time, some might want to save some gasoline or diesel for the more difficult times. However, do not rush to refuel just yet! There are strict rules for storing fuel, and anyone who breaks them can expect serious punishment.

Increased fuel consumption

According to the current situation, the fuel price cap will remain with us until October, reports pénzcentrum.hu. Although this is good news, experts believe that fuel consumption will increase even more in the summer months. (It has already increased due to the maximum price of HUF 480 (EUR 1.21). In the summer, several tourists also refuel in Hungary. Although they can only buy fuel at the market price, if they have to refuel, they do not pay more than in the surrounding countries.

Fuel shortages at wells

Experts regularly warn that the fuel price cap cannot last long. Due to the fixed prices, imports have practically ceased. Therefore, Mol has to supply the domestic filling stations – but they have little capacity for this. According to the wells, the oil company can fulfill 60 out of 100 liters ordered. Thus, it may happen that one of the wells is temporarily short of one of the fuels. That is why almost every filling station now has some kind of quantitative limit regarding the amount one can refuel. There are wells where the ceiling is 50 liters, but some wells maximized the amount that can be refueled at 20-30 liters.

Serious punishment awaits those who store fuel at home

In connection with the situation, Zsolt Hernádi also spoke up. He emphasised that the price regulation raises a serious problem, because sooner or later the consequence of this is shortage. As we have written before, the President and CEO of Mol stated that gambling with the price cap will lead to fuel shortages. Due to partial shortages, many people may think of hoarding fuel: they fill up with the maximum amount at one place, then pump it into cans at home, and refuel at a well. This is not only unnecessary, but those who do this risk serious punishment.

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How much fuel can a person store?

Those who do not store fuel properly at home, or who store more than the permitted amount, can be severely punished. According to the law, a person can transport a maximum of 240 liters of fuel at one time, which includes the amount filled in the vehicle. In addition, petrol and diesel belong to a different fire protection category. Gasoline is a liquid belonging to the so-called highly flammable or explosive class, while diesel is a moderately flammable liquid. Thus, the quantities that can be stored at the same time also differ:

• A total of 5 liters of fuel can be stored in apartment building storage or garages (this applies to all fuels). However, it is strictly forbidden to keep combustible materials in the corridors and escape routes of apartment buildings.
• A condominium apartment can hold a maximum of 10 liters of gasoline, or a maximum of 30 liters of diesel.
• In a family house, a maximum of 20 liters of gasoline can be stored in a storage device with a maximum capacity of 20 liters, and a total of no more than 60 liters of diesel fuel.

How serious is the punishment?

If someone breaks the rules, they can expect a fire safety fine. Depending on the situation and the amount, the charges can range from HUF 10,000 (25,12 EUR) to millions.

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Source: Pénzcentrum.hu, DNH