Macro and economic policy

New data shows that the September interest rate hike in the euro zone is becoming increasingly likely.

In July, inflation in the Eurozone rose to 2.9%, which increases the likelihood of the European Central Bank’s September interest rate hike, while high oil prices are projected to further widen inflationary pressures.

Magyar Péter: The Mol refinery can start operating at full capacity around September 20th.

The Mol refinery in Százhalombatta is expected to begin full-capacity operational testing on September 22nd. Magyar Péter and Hernádi Zsolt also attended the press conference. The low water level on the Danube does not affect the operation of the refinery, as the necessary improvements have already been made. The biggest challenge in the fuel market is diesel supply, due to the lack of Russian diesel exports, which has resulted in a 10-13 percent shortfall, which has also increased prices. Diesel supply is guaranteed in Hungary, but maintaining further diesel imports is crucial.

Hungarian researchers warn: the danger at night is much greater than during the daytime heat.

A recent study published on the Másfélfok website made findings regarding the heat waves affecting Hungary.

Empathy to the appropriate point in the process – This is how AI and behavioral science are transforming demand management

According to Sebastian Clajus, a director of behavioral science at PAIR Finance, debt management is important not only because of clients’ payment delays, but also because of the underlying emotions and processes, such as shame or stress. In an interview, he emphasized the role of AI and human empathy in managing debts, as well as the importance of personalized solutions in making the payment process less stressful. The topic will also be discussed in detail at the Debt Management Trends 2026 conference.

The rising prices of raw materials did not hinder Masterplast's momentum.

The focus of the discussion with Masterplast CEO Tibor Dávid was on the company’s dynamic growth and improving results in the second quarter. The tensions in the Middle East led to rising raw material prices, which also affected the construction materials market. The discussion also touched upon the ongoing growth of the Hungarian economy and the factors driving and limiting it.

Prepare for the worst: devastating heat threatens vast forests in Hungary.

According to data from the Copernicus Emergency Management Service’s public interactive map, wildfires may occur in Hungary in the near future.

Beneficiaries of the Hankó scandal have received further billions from the NKA.

The amount that recipients of cultural support have voluntarily repaid to the state has already exceeded 3.3 billion forints, after doubts arose regarding the legality of the benefits in connection with the so-called Hankó scandal, according to a Facebook post by Zoltán Tarr, Minister of Social Relations and Culture.

Euro area bank interest rate statistics: June 2026

The minister announced: the JÉGER system will be disconnected in several counties.

The National Ice Protection System (JÉGER) is undergoing a significant transformation. In the counties where surveys indicated that most farmers requested its shutdown, the system will be shut down. In other areas, it will continue to operate under stricter conditions. This decision was announced by Bóna Szabolcs, Minister of Agriculture and Food, in a Facebook video.

Tisza government: announced the shutdown of Paks, extreme weather is expected in Hungary

The Hungarian economy’s performance in the second quarter was weaker, with GDP growing by 0.4%, which is below the 0.7% expected by analysts. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Bavarian Premier Markus Söder will discuss the details of the resumption of Hungarian-Bavarian relations in a joint press conference. Due to the extreme heat and the low water level of the Danube, the MVM Paks Nuclear Power Plant reduced the performance of block 2 by 50%, while the Ministry of Transport will partially lift the truck ban over the weekend.

It is not unlikely that the population will have to restrict its energy consumption.

Significant uncertainties surround Hungary’s energy supply for the coming weeks due to the extreme heat and power plant outages. According to Attila Aszódi, rolling power outages may be implemented as a last resort if import possibilities narrow. However, it has since emerged that the Dunamenti Power Plant may restart as early as Sunday.

Magyar Péter: It is still possible to restart the malfunctioning block of the Dunamenti Power Plant in time.

Good news has arrived in the extraordinary energy situation: the malfunctioning block of the Dunamenti Power Plant is expected to restart as early as Sunday. The restart will restore a production capacity of 380 megawatts to the Hungarian power grid, which is almost one-fifth of the capacity of the Paks power plant.