"I think that the price cap has ruined about a tenth of the domestic service stations, about two hundred units," said Eszter Bujdos, CEO of Holtankoljak.hu.Continue reading
On March 24, the Independent Petrol Stations Association (FBSZ) held a demonstration in front of the central building of the Hungarian oil company MOL. They believe that the national oil company does not keep its promises, namely that it cannot guarantee the supply of fuel. The day before the demonstration, MOL declared that they would provide fuel in sufficient quantities to keep gas stations in operation.
This article was originally published on our sister-site, Ungarn Heute.
“We want to work, we want to give service! To anyone who wants to refuel! And as much as they want!”, was the main message of Thursday’s demonstration. The association, which represents more than 300 gas stations, summarized their demands:
According to the head of the FBSZ, everyone is now seeking cooperation and MOL has responded constructively to their petitions and requests. The oil company has promised to do its best to support family businesses. According to the organization, this is essential for their survival.
“Providing the country’s fuel supply is a common interest for us. MOL helps everyone who approaches the company. In March alone, we signed more than 70 new contracts with customers who previously sold fuel abroad and had no previous relationship with MOL. Now they can count on us. We are also providing our new partners with enough fuel to maintain normal operations in the country,” MOL commented.
In the meantime, a government resolution supporting small gas stations was published in the official Hungarian Gazette, Magyar Közlöny, according to which the state will waive a tax of 20 forints per liter. The money could be available to operators as early as next week. What remains unchanged is that gas stations applying for the aid must keep their businesses open and must not lay off their employees.
According to the previous decision, a gas station is considered a small gas station if the owner does not operate more than 50 gas stations and the annual net revenue from fuel sales did not exceed 50 billion forints in 2021. Petrol station operators can submit an application online via a special application form starting at 8 a.m. on Friday.
A few days ago, it was reported that eight gas stations in the country were unable to keep prices low and eventually had to close. András Orosz, the retail director at MOL, confirmed at the time that the state-owned oil company would not take over any insolvent private service stations for the time being.
Featured photo illustration via pixabay.com
