Independent gas stations protest in Hungary over market competition

The Association of Independent Gas Stations has launched a four-day demonstration at Kossuth Square in front of the Hungarian Parliament. The protesters are demanding government intervention to address market conditions they claim are driving small, independent retailers toward bankruptcy.

Gábor Egri, an expert for the association, stated that the current market environment allows large, partially state-owned oil companies to achieve record profits while making it impossible for independent players to compete or import fuel. He noted that while the independent sector contributes approximately 360 billion forints in excise taxes to the treasury, they feel they are not receiving adequate support.

In response to the protests, Economic and Energy Minister István Kapitány acknowledged the issue but suggested that solutions must be found within free-market conditions. He stated that the businesses “must find it themselves” and indicated he would not attend the forum due to his ministerial schedule.