Budapest has introduced a monthly financial aid of 5,000 forint (14 euros) for owners of diesel vehicles with a maximum of 150 horsepower, effective until the end of December, as reported by Portfolio. This measure is aimed at helping approximately 1 million people, covering the cost difference between the previous capped fuel price and the current market price for a full tank, assuming a typical household fills up once a month. The decision comes after the government lifted fuel price caps in June, a move the Prime Minister, Peter Magyar, argues would lead to shortages if reintroduced, as no fuel wholesaler would be willing to import into Hungary under such conditions. The financial support, announced on September 11 and approved by Parliament four days later, is partially funded by a significant increase in taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products, according to Nepszava. Payments will be made in four installments—on September 30, October 30, November 13, and December 7—by the state treasury to eligible households. Vehicle owners who purchased a car during the year will receive the first payment on October 30, while all affected motorists will get the remaining payments by December 31, either through bank transfer or mail. The subsidy also extends to individual entrepreneurs, small producers, and farmers, provided the vehicle is registered under an individual’s name, as noted by HVG. Excise duties on fuel will be fully recoverable for actors in the agricultural sector, ensuring that rising oil prices have minimal impact on their costs and, by extension, food prices, according to the liberal weekly HVG. Tamas Mellar of ATV praised the decision, calling it a "good decision" that "should have been made earlier," emphasizing that targeted compensation is more fair and less costly than maintaining low fuel prices at the pump. However, some critics, including members of the Fidesz party, argue that the monthly 5,000 forint aid only helps a quarter of motorists, while all vehicle owners could have benefited from the price cap. Others question the 150 horsepower limit, noting that such vehicles are not considered luxury items in 2026. Critics also point out that owners of gasoline vehicles are not included in the aid program, raising concerns about fairness. Meanwhile, those without cars worry about increased expenses due to the impact of higher fuel prices on transport costs and other goods. Some argue that those unable to afford rising fuel prices should consider not owning a car, but many believe that for families, a car remains the simplest way to manage daily logistics. With the lack of a comprehensive public transport system in Hungary, some media outlets argue that the 5,000 forint aid "does not solve anything concretely," highlighting the ongoing challenges of rising fuel costs.