Independent gas stations to protest in Hungary

The Association of Independent Gas Stations (Független Benzinkutak Szövetsége) has announced a four-day demonstration at Kossuth Square. The group claims that the current market and taxation environment is making it impossible for independent operators to survive.

Gábor Egri, an expert for the association, stated that without significant government intervention, parts of the sector could face bankruptcy, which he warns could jeopardize fuel supply security and local businesses. The protesters are seeking to highlight the struggles of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the fuel market, specifically citing difficulties with wholesale and retail pricing, as well as import challenges.

A key grievance involves the taxation structure. Egri noted that high fuel prices can cause stations to quickly reach the threshold for retail small business tax based on revenue, even if those high revenues do not translate into actual profit. The association expressed frustration with previous government discussions, characterizing them as unproductive and lacking meaningful solutions.