BRUSSELS, Belgium / EuroWire.IO / – In September 2026, the cost of fuel for personal vehicles in the European Union saw an increase of 31.4% compared to the same month last year, according to Eurostat. This marks the most significant rise over the past three months. The annual growth rates were 16.9% in July and 23.8% in August. These figures pertain to fuels and lubricants used in private cars. Eurostat released this data on October 21. The index forms part of the EU’s harmonised consumer price statistics.
Compared to July and August, September’s yearly increases were higher in 26 of the 27 EU member states. Bulgaria experienced the largest jump at 42.2%. Estonia followed with 40.6%, and Lithuania with 40.2%. These three countries were the only ones where prices rose by more than 40%. An additional 12 nations reported annual increases exceeding 30%, with figures ranging from 37.5% in Czechia to 30.3% in Portugal. The widespread nature of these increases highlights how extensively higher costs have permeated the bloc.
Hungary recorded the smallest annual increase at 6.9%. Ireland’s increase stood at 17.7%, and Sweden’s at 19.9%. In Cyprus, prices grew by 24.6%, which is below the EU average. The data indicate that drivers across nearly all member states paid significantly more at the pump than they did a year earlier. To alleviate household pressure, some governments, such as Germany, have moved to cut fuel taxes.
September sees continued rise in diesel and petrol prices
Prices for diesel and petrol increased notably from August to September. Diesel prices across the EU grew by 5.9% in September compared to August. Meanwhile, petrol prices rose by 6.7% over the same period. In August, diesel had already climbed by 8.3%, and petrol by 3.3% compared to July. These figures suggest persistent upward pressure on transport fuel costs through the late summer and into autumn.
Between August and September, 26 EU countries experienced rises in diesel prices. Sweden saw the largest monthly increase at 12.8%. Latvia followed with 10.3%, and Poland with 9.7%. The smallest increases occurred in Spain at 2.4%, Croatia at 2.5%, and Romania at 3.0%. The monthly data reveal significant variations among member states. In most EU nations, a substantial share of the final pump price is attributable to national taxes and duties.
Sweden records the highest monthly rise in petrol prices
Petrol prices also increased in 26 member states from August to September. Sweden experienced the largest monthly jump at 13.8%. Poland was next with 9.7%, followed by Estonia at 9.5%. The smallest increases were noted in Cyprus at 3.8%, Romania at 4.2%, and Slovenia at 4.6%. Despite having one of the lowest annual increases, Sweden saw the most significant monthly gains for both diesel and petrol. Cyprus remained below the EU average in the annual measure as well.
The rise in energy prices has contributed to higher consumer costs across Europe this year. Euro area inflation reached 3.3% in August, driven largely by energy. Last week, the Bank of Italy predicted that oil prices would average $114 per barrel during the fourth quarter of 2026. Eurostat will release additional price data in the upcoming weeks. Fuel expenses continue to be a significant factor affecting household budgets and transportation companies.