BRUSSELS, Belgium / EuroWire.IO / – According to Eurostat, the cost of fuels for personal transportation within the European Union increased by 31.4% in September 2026 compared to the same month last year. This marked the most significant rise over the past three months, following annual growth rates of 16.9% in July and 23.8% in August. The data encompass fuels and lubricants used in private vehicles, with Eurostat releasing the figures on October 21 as part of the EU’s harmonised consumer price indices.
In September, 26 of the 27 EU nations experienced higher annual price increases than in July and August, with Bulgaria seeing the largest jump at 42.2%. Estonia followed at 40.6%, and Lithuania at 40.2%, representing the only three member states where prices escalated by over 40%. Another 12 countries reported annual increases exceeding 30%, with figures ranging from 37.5% in Czechia to 30.3% in Portugal. This widespread rise highlights the broad extent of increased costs across the bloc.
Hungary experienced the smallest annual growth at 6.9%, while Ireland recorded 17.7%, and Sweden saw a 19.9% increase. Prices in Cyprus rose by 24.6%, remaining below the EU average. The data clearly indicate that nearly all member states faced significantly higher pump prices compared to a year earlier. To alleviate the burden on consumers, some governments, including Germany, have taken steps to cut fuel taxes.
September sees renewed rises in diesel and petrol prices
Fuel prices experienced notable month-to-month increases, with diesel rising by 5.9% in September compared to August across the EU. Petrol prices also climbed by 6.7% during the same period. In August, diesel had increased by 8.3% and petrol by 3.3% relative to July. These figures demonstrate ongoing upward pressure on transport fuel expenses through late summer and into the autumn season.
Between August and September, 26 EU countries saw diesel prices rise, with Sweden recording the highest monthly increase at 12.8%, followed by Latvia at 10.3% and Poland at 9.7%. The smallest increases were in Spain at 2.4%, Croatia at 2.5%, and Romania at 3.0%. The monthly data reveal significant variation among member states, with national taxes and duties accounting for a substantial portion of the final pump price in most EU countries.
Sweden reports largest monthly petrol increase
Petrol prices also climbed in 26 member states from August to September, with Sweden again posting the highest monthly gain at 13.8%. Poland followed at 9.7%, and Estonia at 9.5%. The smallest increases were observed in Cyprus at 3.8%, Romania at 4.2%, and Slovenia at 4.6%. Despite having one of the lowest annual increases, Sweden experienced the largest monthly jumps for both diesel and petrol. Meanwhile, Cyprus stayed below the EU average for annual price growth.
Rising energy costs have driven up consumer prices across Europe this year. Euro area inflation reached 3.3% in August, largely fueled by energy expenses. The Bank of Italy announced last week that it expects oil prices to average $114 a barrel in the final quarter of 2026. Eurostat will release additional price data in the upcoming weeks. Fuel expenses continue to be a crucial factor impacting household budgets and transport firms alike.