Hungary's fuel prices undercut neighbors, PM warns of fuel tourism

Prime Minister Magyar Péter held a press conference at Mol's Százhalombatta refinery, showing that Hungary's average gasoline price (598 Ft/l) and diesel price (653 Ft/l) are 29‑35 Ft lower than the regional average. The government says domestic fuel supply is secure but warns that the price gap could trigger cross‑border “fuel tourism”, especially from Austria where prices are around 755 Ft.

Supply risks are highlighted: the Iranian war removed about 25 % of global diesel, Russian export cuts another 10‑13 %, and low Danube water levels limit barge deliveries. In August the market needs 356 million L of diesel; the refinery can produce 230 million L and imports 95 million L from Slovakia, while Mol has halted exports. The government may introduce measures to curb fuel tourism.

A separate analysis notes that Hungarian fuel prices have risen above the previous price‑cap level, with gasoline near 600 Ft and diesel above 640 Ft. International factors such as Brent oil at $80‑90, tensions in the Hormuz Strait, and reduced global reserves keep upward pressure on prices. Domestic constraints include reduced Russian diesel imports and under‑utilised refinery capacity, leading some stations to limit sales. Market players are divided between modest price hikes to protect margins and the risk of losing customers.