Hungary was among the higher-priced electricity markets in the SEE-connected region during Week 24, even as its import position improved. The Hungarian day-ahead average fell by 4.3% to €98.71/MWh. Prices remained above Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Serbia, while staying close to Romania at €97.38/MWh.
Week 24 demand and generation trends
Hungarian demand growth was limited, with electricity consumption rising by 1.1%. The increase was lower than the stronger demand expansions reported for Italy, Greece, and Türkiye. Supply conditions improved alongside demand, with variable renewable generation up by 21.2%. Hydropower also increased by 27.3%, following a low base.
Trade balance shift and regional price context
Hungary continued to operate as a net importer, but net imports decreased markedly. Net imports fell by 108.5 GWh, equivalent to a 60.3% decline. The reduction coincided with stronger renewable output and softer pricing in neighbouring markets, easing pressure on import dependency.
Despite the trade improvement, Hungary still traded within a relatively high-price band. On 17 June, the day-ahead snapshot reached €123.79/MWh, the highest daily price point in the Southeast European dataset for the week. This level reflected Hungary’s sensitivity to Central European price formation during periods of tighter regional supply or elevated cross-border congestion.
Comparison with Serbia and Bulgaria
The market pattern in Hungary differed from lower-priced SEE markets such as Serbia and Bulgaria. Serbia saw a sharp price correction, while Bulgaria strengthened its export position. Hungary remained in a higher price environment even as import reliance declined, indicating a different balance between regional pricing signals and domestic conditions.
The combination of Central European pricing influence, Hungarian demand patterns, renewable intermittency, and interconnector constraints continued to shape prices during the period . For traders and industrial consumers, Hungary remained a premium pricing reference within the SEE-linked region . Even when import dependence eased, price levels could remain elevated due to exposure to Central European scarcity signals and cross-border flow dynamics .
