War drives electric-car sales, US strikes Iran, and Hungary plans tax on the wealthy

The latest episode of the daily “Your Business” podcast links three developments: war is making electric cars more attractive, the United States and Iran are exchanging attacks in the Persian Gulf, and Hungary is preparing to tax the richest people in the country.

Ending a fuel-support program has made driving combustion-engine cars more expensive in Poland. An analysis by Superauto.pl puts the cost of driving 100 kilometers at about 55 zlotys in a Toyota Corolla, up from 48, and about 48 zlotys in a diesel Volkswagen Passat B8, up from 42.

Rising fuel prices and uncertainty connected to the Gulf war are increasing interest in electric mobility. Otomoto data show that inquiries about electric cars in Poland rose 33.5 percent from the outbreak of the conflict through the end of June. In Germany, electric-car registrations rose 48 percent in the first half of the year. Chinese brands are also gaining ground, creating a challenge for Europe’s auto industry.

The podcast also reports that the United States carried out overnight strikes on targets in Iran. US military officials said the attacks destroyed air-defense systems, radars, maritime infrastructure and mine launchers. Washington described the action as a response to earlier attacks by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Saudi tankers.

The escalation affected financial markets. Brent crude rose above $95 a barrel, while gold fell toward $4,300 an ounce. Washington said it would continue economic pressure on Iran, including measures involving airlines, the maritime industry and digital assets, but China, Russia and India have not backed the policy.

Hungary’s government wants to impose a wealth tax on assets above 1 billion forints, approximately $3.1 million. Bálint Ruff, head of Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s office, said the legislation is ready. The measure would fulfill a campaign promise and increase the burden on Hungary’s wealthiest citizens. The podcast also identifies the US Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision as a key market event for September, with experts watching cryptocurrencies, gold and gas.