Fuel price shifts in Hungary and waste fee hikes in Romania

In Hungary, retail fuel prices have diverged following changes in wholesale costs. As of October 28, the average price for 95-octane gasoline decreased by 3 HUF per liter to 642 HUF, while diesel prices rose by 8 HUF per liter to 717 HUF. This shift follows rising Brent crude oil prices, which reached $110 per barrel due to Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions and diesel shortages, alongside a 1.5% weakening of the Hungarian forint against the US dollar.

In Satu Mare, Romania, the waste management company Florisal has proposed a 46.63% increase in household waste collection fees. The company intends to raise the monthly gross fee per capita from 17.83 lei to 24.2 lei. The increase is attributed to inflation since 2022 and planned infrastructure investments, including the implementation of over 180 five-fraction collection islands and the acquisition of a modern vehicle fleet. The new rates are expected to take effect no earlier than January 1, 2027, or upon the commencement of a new public cleanliness contract.