Hungary had the second cheapest price for natural gas in Europe in November, while electricity was the cheapest here.Continue reading
As Europe struggles with the economic and energy crisis, energy prices have also spiraled out of control, which has affected overheads, putting a heavy burden on the population. In Hungary, however, the previously introduced reduced utility prices for the average consumption are still in force, and many households are benefiting from this. Perhaps this is why the majority of Hungarians do not feel that their utility bills have increased significantly since last year, according to a survey by the Nézőpont Institute.
The pro-government think tank carried out the survey in early December, which shows that 31 percent of respondents said their costs had not changed at all, while 39 percent said they had increased only slightly.
Overall, 70 percent of Hungarians feel that their utility bills have not increased significantly compared to last year, while 22 percent said they have increased a lot.
The Nézőpont Institute also looked at the responses in terms of party preferences, and found that even the majority of respondents critical of the government did not think that utility costs had risen significantly. 23 percent of them said that costs had not changed, while 45 percent said they had increased slightly, and 29 percent said they had increased a lot. The Hungarian opposition has previously spoken out against the cuts on several occasions.
Among pro-government respondents, there was a higher proportion who felt there had been no change. Among them, 41 percent said that the cost of utilities had not changed and 37 percent said it had increased slightly. 14 percent of Hungarians in the governing party survey said that the cost of utilities had increased a lot.
The Hungarian government announced in the summer that it would abolish the existing cuts in utility bills and introduce new rules.
As a result, average thresholds have been set as a benchmark for consumers. Those who consume below the average will continue to pay the reduced price, but those who exceed the limit will pay the market price for consumption above the limit.
This meant that large families living together or those living in large houses could expect higher bills from autumn onward, and there are still many properties in Hungary with outdated heating systems. However, higher prices have also encouraged people to start consuming less, and this has been successful according to various surveys, and not just among the citizens, but the government as well.
Featured photos via Nézőpont Institute, Pixabay
