MOL Group launches court challenge to Hungary CO2 quota tax
- MOL and subsidiaries filed a refund request in April 2026 for Hungary's carbon dioxide quota tax, in force since 2023.
- The National Tax and Customs Administration rejected the refund request.
- The Court of Justice of the EU (Case C-519/24) ruled on 16 April 2026 that the carbon dioxide quota tax is contrary to EU directives.
- MOL set the value of the dispute at HUF 126.0 billion (approximately USD 395 million), including tax and late-payment interest.
Context
In April 2026 MOL and its subsidiaries subject to Hungary's carbon dioxide quota tax, which has been in force since 2023, filed a request with the National Tax and Customs Administration seeking a refund of the tax. The Tax Authority rejected that request.
EU ruling
The Court of Justice of the European Union in Case C-519/24 rendered a decision on 16 April 2026 finding that the carbon dioxide quota tax is contrary to European Union directives.
Legal action and claim
Following the Tax Authority's rejection, MOL and its affected subsidiaries launched legal proceedings with the competent courts asking them to overturn the rejective decisions and order the Tax Authority to conduct a new proceeding. The Group has set the value of the dispute at a total of HUF 126.0 billion (approximately USD 395 million), which covers the tax claimed for refund and related late-payment interest.
Source: MOL Group
