logo
NGM: Government continues action against unjustified price hikes to protect families and pensioners

NGM: Government continues action against unjustified price hikes to protect families and pensioners

Budapest Times5 days ago
The Ministry for National Economy (NGM) reiterated on Friday that the government remains committed to tackling unjustified price increases, following the release of July inflation data. According to the ministry, measures such as price margin reductions have led to significant decreases—food prices are down 20.3 percent and drugstore products by 26.1 percent.
The government's intervention has not stopped at retail goods. Voluntary price restrictions were secured from banks, insurers, and telecom companies, and from 1 July, pharmaceutical firms joined with reduced pricing for 44 over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Pensioners will also receive targeted support in autumn with HUF 30,000 worth of food vouchers.
Citing Central Statistical Office data, NGM reported that overall annual inflation in July was 4.3 percent, with food inflation at 5.9 percent. The ministry noted that recent rises in seasonal produce prices were driven by weather-related supply disruptions, but affirmed that price monitoring will continue, especially in sectors subject to mandated margin cuts.
The government previously expanded the margin reduction policy to include household goods, cleaning products, and personal care items—moves that led to rapid and measurable price drops. 'These steps provide substantial relief for Hungarian families,' the ministry said, adding that nearly 2,000 inspections had been carried out to ensure compliance in retail outlets.
NGM emphasized that direct financial support for pensioners will benefit 2 to 2.5 million individuals and further stimulate consumption. The ministry concluded that the combined impact of reduced prices and increased household spending will help drive renewed economic growth.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Visit Hungary CEO: Renewed Budapest–Philadelphia flight a boost for Hungarian tourism
Visit Hungary CEO: Renewed Budapest–Philadelphia flight a boost for Hungarian tourism

Budapest Times

time2 days ago

  • Budapest Times

Visit Hungary CEO: Renewed Budapest–Philadelphia flight a boost for Hungarian tourism

The restart of a direct flight between Budapest and Philadelphia after a six-year hiatus is excellent news for both Hungarian tourism and the business sector, said Olivér Csendes, CEO of Visit Hungary Zrt., in an interview with TV2's Mokka programme. Csendes outlined medium- and long-term goals for the service, which will initially operate seasonally from May to October in its first year. He expressed hope that strong passenger numbers would persuade American Airlines to make the route year-round, and that other carriers might follow by offering direct flights from additional US cities to Budapest. Nearly 400,000 American tourists visit Hungary annually, and the CEO noted that the new route should make travel easier, more predictable, and potentially less expensive. He said US visitors are particularly drawn to Hungary's architectural heritage, cultural attractions, wine regions, and Danube river cruises. The daily service will depart Budapest at 11:25 and arrive in Philadelphia at 15:00 local time, returning in the evening to reach Liszt Ferenc International Airport at 09:25 the following day. Csendes highlighted that Philadelphia is one of American Airlines' largest hubs, offering 100 direct connections across the United States — effectively opening up all of North America to travellers from Hungary.

Culture and Innovation Ministry: Over 38,000 young people to receive career start allowance
Culture and Innovation Ministry: Over 38,000 young people to receive career start allowance

Budapest Times

time2 days ago

  • Budapest Times

Culture and Innovation Ministry: Over 38,000 young people to receive career start allowance

More than 38,000 young people will receive a career start allowance by the end of August, with the payment going to all students completing vocational training this year, the Ministry of Culture and Innovation (KIM) announced on Wednesday. The one-time grant is designed to help graduates enter the labour market. The ministry noted that with the 2020 reform of the vocational education system, the scholarship framework was also overhauled. During sectoral basic education, all students are entitled to a general monthly scholarship. Those in full-time education can later earn up to HUF 59,000 per month based on academic performance, which may be replaced by wages upon joining dual training — potentially reaching HUF 169,000 per month. Veronika Varga-Bajusz, State Secretary for Higher Education, Vocational and Adult Training, and Youth, said the career start allowance rewards strong performance and supports entry into employment. Depending on exam results, students may receive up to HUF 300,000 in a single payment after passing their professional exams, which they can use to launch their careers or purchase tools. This year's disbursement totals HUF 9.8 billion. The allowance can be supplemented by a freely usable HUF 4 million workers' loan available to 17–25-year-olds to support their life start.

Over HUF 20 billion to develop aquaculture by 2027
Over HUF 20 billion to develop aquaculture by 2027

Budapest Times

time4 days ago

  • Budapest Times

Over HUF 20 billion to develop aquaculture by 2027

The Hungarian government will provide more than HUF 20 billion in funding for aquaculture development by 2027 under the Hungarian Fisheries Operational Programme Plus (MAHOP Plus), Minister of Agriculture István Nagy announced at a press conference in Budapest on Monday. Speaking at the Hungarian National Anglers' Association's (MOHOSZ) annual public service report presentation, Nagy said MOHOSZ can receive 100% funding for projects such as creating, restoring, and improving habitats and spawning grounds for native fish species, as well as reducing invasive fish populations. He underlined that aquaculture plays a vital role in sustaining healthy and high-quality fish supplies for Hungary's angling waters. According to ministry data, last year fishing took place over 160,000 hectares of registered fisheries and 26,000 hectares of fish ponds. A total of 4,879 tonnes of fish were caught, with angling accounting for 4,614 tonnes—an increase of 2.8% compared to the previous year. Stocking activities in 2024 reached 4,071 tonnes, with the total value of released fish amounting to HUF 6.7 billion. Nagy said the government's commitment through MAHOP Plus reflects both ecological and economic priorities, ensuring the long-term sustainability of Hungary's fish stocks and the continued growth of the angling sector.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store