BRUSSELS, Belgium / EuroWire.IO / – In September, Bulgaria experienced the most significant rise in fuel prices among all European Union member states, with costs climbing by 31.4% compared to the previous year. Specifically, prices for fuels and lubricants used for personal transportation in Bulgaria surged by 42.2%. The overall EU figure was released by Eurostat on October 21, marking an acceleration from 16.9% in July and 23.8% in August.
Estonia and Lithuania were the only other countries with annual increases exceeding 40%, registering 40.6% and 40.2%, respectively. Additionally, twelve more nations reported increases above 30%. Within this group, growth rates varied from 37.5% in Czechia to 30.3% in Portugal. In September, 26 EU nations experienced higher annual rates than in July and August, indicating a widespread upward trend in fuel prices across nearly the entire bloc.
Hungary reported the smallest annual increase at 6.9%, making it the lowest on the list. Ireland followed with a 17.7% rise, while Sweden saw a 19.9% increase. Cyprus, with a 24.6% rise, remained below the EU average. These figures pertain to fuels and lubricants purchased by households for personal vehicles and are part of the EU’s harmonized consumer price data.
Continued Monthly Increases in Diesel and Petrol Prices
Compared to August, EU consumers paid 5.9% more for diesel in September, while petrol prices rose by 6.7%. The previous month, diesel had increased by 8.3% and petrol by 3.3% compared to July. As a result, petrol became the faster-increasing fuel in September, surpassing diesel. These increases contribute to the road fuel costs faced by EU drivers this year. The figures were compiled by Eurostat from national consumer price data.
Between August and September, diesel prices rose in 26 EU countries. The most notable monthly increases were observed in Sweden at 12.8%, Latvia at 10.3%, and Poland at 9.7%. Spain experienced the smallest rise at 2.4%, followed by Croatia at 2.5% and Romania at 3.0%. All other countries with increases saw rates above 3%. Variations in national taxes and market conditions influence how quickly these price shifts reach consumers at the pump.
Petrol Prices Reach New Heights in Sweden and Poland
Over the same period, 26 EU member states saw increases in petrol prices. Sweden recorded the highest jump of 13.8%. Poland and Estonia followed with increases of 9.7% and 9.5%. Cyprus experienced the smallest rise at 3.8%, with Romania at 4.2% and Slovenia at 4.6%. Poland was among the top three countries for both diesel and petrol price hikes in September, just like Sweden, which led both categories.
The upward trend in fuel prices coincides with rising energy costs affecting consumers across Europe. Inflation in the euro area reached 3.3% in August, driven largely by energy prices. The Bank of Italy anticipates that oil will average $114 a barrel in the final quarter of 2026. Elevated fuel prices impact household budgets, as well as transportation and logistics expenses. Eurostat’s upcoming monthly data will indicate whether these price increases persist. Fuel remains one of the most prominent components of household expenditure.