The survey shows that nearly a third of respondents were not financially affected by the changes, while 8% could not or did not want to answer.

The results varied according to several aspects, for example, there were significant differences according to the type of dwelling: while two-thirds of those living in detached houses said their bills had increased, just under half of those in condominiums said the same.

There were also significant differences by type of municipality, the smaller the municipality, the more people felt that costs had increased. In Budapest, 53% of respondents paid more, in county towns, some 55% said that their costs increased. Approximately 60% of people living in smaller towns reported higher costs, but villages were the most affected, with 68% of participants saying that their utility bills have gotten higher.

On average, respondents affected by the increase in energy costs reported an increase in expenditure of HUF 22,000 per month.

"If we also take into account respondents who are not affected, the change in the rules of the electricity and gas tariffs will mean an extra HUF 12,000 per month for an average Hungarian family," the survey noted.