BRUSSELS, Belgium / EuroWire.IO / – According to Eurostat, fuel costs for personal vehicles in the European Union increased by 31.4% in September 2026 compared to the same month last year. This marked the sharpest rise over the past three months, with July seeing an increase of 16.9% and August 23.8%. The reported figures encompass fuels and lubricants used in private cars, with Eurostat releasing the data on October 21. This index is part of the EU’s harmonised consumer price data collection.
In September, 26 out of 27 EU nations experienced higher annual price hikes than in July and August, with Bulgaria recording the highest jump at 42.2%. Estonia followed closely with 40.6%, and Lithuania at 40.2%. These three countries were the only ones where prices increased by more than 40%. Additionally, 12 other nations reported annual rises exceeding 30%, ranging from 37.5% in Czechia to 30.3% in Portugal. These widespread increases highlight how broadly elevated costs have become across the bloc.
Hungary experienced the smallest annual growth at 6.9%, with Ireland at 17.7%, and Sweden at 19.9%. In Cyprus, prices went up by 24.6%, which is below the EU average. The data clearly show that drivers in nearly every member state paid significantly more at the pump than they did a year earlier. To alleviate household burdens, some governments, including Germany, have taken steps to cut fuel taxes.
Diesel and petrol prices climb again in September
Fuel prices also increased notably from month to month, with diesel prices across the EU rising by 5.9% in September compared to August, and petrol prices climbing by 6.7% in the same period. In August, diesel had grown by 8.3%, and petrol by 3.3%, compared to July, indicating persistent upward pressure on transport fuel expenses through late summer into autumn.
Between August and September, diesel prices grew in 26 EU countries, with Sweden experiencing the highest monthly increase at 12.8%, followed by Latvia at 10.3%, and Poland at 9.7%. The smallest increases occurred in Spain at 2.4%, Croatia at 2.5%, and Romania at 3.0%. These figures reveal significant variation between member states, with national taxes and duties constituting a large share of the final pump price in most EU nations.
Sweden records largest monthly petrol increase
Between August and September, petrol prices rose in 26 member states, with Sweden again leading at 13.8%. Poland followed at 9.7%, and Estonia at 9.5%. The lowest increases were seen in Cyprus at 3.8%, Romania at 4.2%, and Slovenia at 4.6%. Despite experiencing the smallest annual rise, Sweden recorded the biggest monthly increase for both diesel and petrol. Meanwhile, Cyprus remained below the EU average when considering the annual change.
Rising energy costs have driven up consumer prices throughout Europe this year. Euro area inflation reached 3.3% in August, primarily fueled by energy prices. The Bank of Italy recently projected that oil prices will average $114 a barrel in the fourth quarter of 2026. Eurostat is expected to release additional price data in the coming weeks. Fuel expenses continue to significantly impact household budgets and transportation businesses.