Hungary: GVH launches accelerated sector inquiry into cooking oil market

The Hungarian Competition Authority (“GVH”) has initiated an accelerated sector inquiry into the cooking oil market following concerns that prices in Hungary have risen more sharply than in neighbouring countries. Working in close cooperation with the Hungarian National Bank (“MNB”), the investigation focuses specifically on the sunflower oil market, where significant price disparities have emerged between Hungary and neighbouring countries.

1. Reasons for Launching Accelerated Sector Inquiry

The decision to launch this investigation stems from substantial evidence of pricing anomalies in the Hungarian cooking oil market. Whilst Hungary's overall consumer price level stands at 69 % of the EU average, food prices lag behind the EU level by only 4.9 %, and are approximately 10 % more expensive than in regional comparisons. 

The timing of recent price increases has raised particular concerns. Between December 2024 and autumn 2025, Hungarian cooking oil prices rose by 15.8 % in euro terms, compared to an average increase of just 9.7 % across the other three Visegrád countries during the same period. This significant differential persisted despite the introduction of price margin restrictions, further widening the gap between domestic and regional price levels. Given that Hungarian households consume over 100 million litres of cooking oil annually, with domestic producers meeting 80-90 % of demand, the GVH and MNB experts concluded that market factors affecting different levels of the value chain warranted thorough examination.

2. Next Steps

The accelerated sector inquiry will involve mandatory information gathering from market participants across the value chain. The GVH will analyse this data to identify potential causes of competition distortion. The investigation has a one-month timeframe, and may be extended twice, for an additional month each time, if circumstances require. Following data collection and analysis, the GVH will publish a public report summarising the findings and, where necessary, propose appropriate remedial measures.

3. Summary

This accelerated sector inquiry constitutes a focused regulatory response to unexplained price differentials in Hungary's cooking oil market. Through comprehensive examination of market factors across the supply chain, the GVH aims to ascertain whether sector-specific characteristics have contributed to elevated domestic prices and to safeguard consumer interests through effective competition enforcement.

Given that past accelerated sector inquiries have resulted in enforcement actions against market participants, it would be prudent to monitor the progress and outcomes of these proceedings.

We will continue to monitor and report on developments affecting market participants in this sector.

If you need more information or further guidance in this area, please contact Gabor Kutai and Kinga Kálmán.

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