In April 2025, Hungary experienced a decrease in food prices, with an average monthly drop of 1.3%. This decline is attributed to the government's margin cap measures and the expansion of the online price monitoring system operated by the Hungarian Competition Authority.

The Hungarian Competition Authority is closely monitoring the retail sector and the food industry supply chain, currently conducting two expedited sector investigations in the dairy and egg markets. The Central Statistical Office reported that consumer prices rose by an average of 4.2% year-on-year, with food prices increasing by 5.4%, although this marked a decrease from March's figures.

The April data reflects the full impact of the margin cap that came into effect on March 17 and the expansion of the online price monitoring system, which now tracks prices of around 3,000 different food products across 100 categories. This system aims to provide transparency and help consumers save money.

Launched on July 1, 2023, the online price monitoring system has expanded to include 22 additional product categories, covering various food items such as meats, fish, dairy products, rice, rolls, cocoa powder, and ground coffee. Ongoing discussions are in place for further expansion, particularly targeting household and hygiene products.

The Hungarian Competition Authority is vigilant in monitoring market behaviors to protect consumers and prevent anti-competitive collaborations among market players. Currently, the authority is investigating several food retail companies for suspected price-fixing and misleading advertising practices, particularly in light of significant price fluctuations in the dairy and egg markets.