Hungary announces diesel fuel compensation for vehicle owners

The Hungarian government has announced a compensation package for owners of diesel vehicles with a maximum of 150 horsepower. Between September and December, eligible owners will receive 5,000 HUF monthly, totaling 20,000 HUF, to offset rising fuel prices. The measure is expected to affect nearly one million vehicle owners, including individual entrepreneurs and primary producers.

However, the decision has faced criticism from economists and the transport sector. Economist Viktor Zsiday argued that the subsidy is neither socially nor economically justifiable, noting that such state intervention uses taxpayer money to benefit one group at the expense of others.

Transport organizations, including the Magyar Független Fuvarozók Egyesülete (MFFE) and NiT Hungary, expressed deep disappointment. They noted that while diesel car owners receive aid, road hauliers must continue to pay full market prices for fuel. The MFFE warned that rising diesel costs could threaten small and medium-sized transport enterprises, potentially leading to business closures, job losses, and weakened supply chain security.