BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – An increase in petrol and diesel prices has contributed approximately €53 billion to European Union road transportation costs during 2026. Transport & Environment evaluated this rise over the 28 weeks ending on September 6, comparing expenditure with the same period in 2025 and adjusting for inflation. Diesel was responsible for about €40 billion of the additional expense, making it the predominant contributor to the overall increase.
The study estimated that elevated fuel prices on roads cost the EU roughly €270 million daily during this period. Of this, around €203 million was due to diesel, while petrol accounted for approximately €67 million. The report attributes this surge to tighter refined-fuel supplies amid conflicts in the Middle East and outages at Russian refineries. These disruptions caused refined fuel prices to rise relative to crude oil, with diesel experiencing some of the most significant pressure.
The European Commission has also observed notable fluctuations in oil and refined-product markets throughout 2026. Its Oil Coordination Group stated on September 8 that the EU currently faces no immediate shortage of oil supplies. They noted that increased refinery production within the bloc, combined with alternative international sources, continues to meet demand. Additionally, commercial inventories and emergency reserves are still sufficient. The Commission highlighted that markets for diesel and jet fuel have experienced particularly high price volatility.
Motorists and Freight Operations Feel the Impact of Rising Diesel Prices
The escalation in prices affected both private vehicle owners and commercial transport firms. Transport & Environment estimated that the average diesel car driver in the EU paid about €142 more during the study period. By September 14, filling a 50-litre diesel tank cost roughly €30 more than before the conflict baseline used in the analysis. Long-distance trucking in Germany faced an additional weekly fuel cost of around €236 on average.
Across Europe, road freight remains highly vulnerable to changes in diesel prices. The report cited approximately 6.2 million trucks operating on European roads, with road transport accounting for 77% of EU diesel and gasoil consumption in 2024. According to Eurostat, gas and diesel oil supplied 63.2% of the energy used for road transport that year, while motor gasoline made up 26.9%. Renewables and biofuels contributed 6.2%, and electricity represented 0.7%.
Recent EU Data Extends the Narrative on Fuel Price Fluctuations
On September 24, the European Commission updated its Weekly Oil Bulletin with new consumer fuel prices reported by member states. The bulletin provides weekly petroleum price data before and after taxes, along with a historical series dating back to 2005. This update follows the September 6 cutoff date used in the €53 billion estimate. The Commission continues to monitor oil supply conditions, refinery output, inventories, and price trends across EU countries.
The €53 billion figure remains an approximation from the environmental group, not an official EU figure. It reflects additional road fuel expenditure during the 28-week period in 2026. Diesel accounts for the majority of this increase, consistent with its central role in passenger and freight transport. These figures illustrate how shifts in the refined-fuel markets have translated into increased costs for drivers and freight operators across the EU during the period analyzed.