Hungarian Gazette 2026/13
Summary
The decree provides a one-time 30 percent discount for Hungarian households heating with natural gas, district heating, and electrical energy, in order to alleviate the increased heating costs resulting from the extraordinary cold weather experienced in January 2026. The measure was adopted under emergency powers declared with regard to the armed conflict in Ukraine, and the state assumes a total burden of 55 billion forints from residential consumers. The technical conditions for the application of the discount in relation to the various energy carriers and billing methods are set out in the amendments to the individual energy Acts, in particular the legislation on natural gas supply, electrical energy, and district heating service.
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HUNGARIAN OFFICIAL GAZETTE · Issue 13 of 2026
Government Decrees
Government Decree No. 12/2026. (II. 3.) on the January utility cost freeze
[1] In January 2026, the exceptionally cold weather, the likes of which had not been seen for one and a half decades, significantly increased families' heating needs. The majority of families were forced to heat their homes far more than usual, which would have resulted in unexpectedly high utility bills. The Government's objective is to protect Hungarian families. Therefore, the Government is introducing a January utility cost freeze, thereby assuming from every Hungarian family the costs of the additional heating caused by the exceptionally cold weather in January. This represents 55 billion forints in support for the Hungarian population. Using different technical solutions depending on the method of heating and billing, we are ensuring the January utility cost freeze for every Hungarian family, which constitutes a one-time 30% discount for those heating with gas, district heating, and electricity.
[2] The Government, acting in its original legislative authority as defined in Article 53(1)(b) of the Fundamental Law, having regard to Sections 80 and 81 of Act XCIII of 2021 on the Coordination of Defence and Security Activities, as well as Section 2(1a) of Act XLII of 2022 on the Prevention and Management of the Consequences in Hungary of the Armed Conflict and Humanitarian Catastrophe in a Neighbouring Country, acting within the scope of its duties as defined in Article 15(1) of the Fundamental Law, hereby orders the following:
1. General Provisions…