Strepsils prices show major gap between Hungary and UK

A significant price discrepancy has been noted between over-the-counter throat lozenges in Hungary and the United Kingdom. Journalist Balázs Láng reported that a 36-count pack of Strepsils in Bristol, UK, cost approximately £1.19 (less than 450 HUF), whereas a smaller 24-count pack in a Budapest pharmacy cost 4,200 HUF.

Further comparisons show that a 36-count pack of the same product typically ranges between 5,500 and 6,200 HUF in Hungary. Even when comparing a Hungarian BENU webshop price of 5,799 HUF to a UK Tesco price of approximately £6 (roughly 2,583 HUF), the Hungarian price remains substantially higher. The products compared shared identical active ingredients and dosages.

Factors influencing these price differences include the type of retail outlet—pharmacies versus general grocery stores—as well as market-based pricing for non-prescription medicines, exchange rates, and importation costs.