Independent gas stations in Hungary face survival crisis

The Association of Independent Gas Stations (FBSZ) has issued an open letter to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, warning that the current state of the fuel market threatens the survival of 600 to 700 independent filling stations. These businesses are primarily family-owned enterprises located in rural areas of Hungary.

The FBSZ is not requesting state subsidies or financial bailouts. Instead, they are calling for government intervention to ensure predictable fuel supplies, transparent pricing, and fair competition. The association is urging an extraordinary government audit of the fuel retail sector and a competition law investigation into Mol Group’s wholesale pricing, supply practices, and market position.

Furthermore, the group is requesting an independent examination of the relationship between the Hungarian state and Mol Group, as well as a review of strategic fuel reserves. They seek clarity on the composition of these reserves—specifically the ratio of crude oil to refined products like gasoline and diesel—to ensure national supply security in the event of a major refinery or logistical disaster.