BRUSSELS, Belgium / EuroWire.IO / – In September, Bulgaria experienced the most significant increase in fuel costs among all EU member states, with prices rising by 31.4% compared to the previous year. The cost of fuels and lubricants used for personal transport in Bulgaria soared by 42.2%. This data was published by Eurostat on October 21. The figures indicate a faster acceleration from 16.9% in July and 23.8% in August.
Estonia and Lithuania were the only other countries in the EU to report annual increases surpassing 40%, at 40.6% and 40.2%, respectively. An additional 12 nations experienced price increases exceeding 30%. Within this group, the percentage increases ranged from 37.5% in Czechia to 30.3% in Portugal. In September, 26 EU countries showed higher annual growth rates than in both July and August, reflecting a widespread trend of rising fuel prices across the region.
On the lower end of the spectrum, Hungary reported the smallest year-over-year increase at 6.9%, with Ireland following at 17.7%. Sweden experienced a 19.9% rise, while Cyprus, with a 24.6% increase, remained below the EU average. These figures cover fuels and lubricants purchased by households for cars and other personal vehicles, forming 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. During the same period, petrol prices increased by 6.7%. A month earlier, diesel had risen by 8.3% and petrol by 3.3% compared to July. Notably, petrol surpassed diesel as the faster-rising fuel in September, adding to the road fuel costs faced by EU drivers this year. The figures, compiled by Eurostat, are based on data from individual national consumer prices.
Between August and September, diesel prices increased in 26 EU countries. The sharpest monthly gains were observed in Sweden at 12.8%, Latvia at 10.3%, and Poland at 9.7%. Spain recorded the smallest rise at 2.4%, followed by Croatia at 2.5% and Romania at 3.0%. All other countries experiencing increases reported monthly rises above 3%. Variations in taxes and market conditions across nations influence how quickly these price changes reach consumers at the pump.
Sweden and Poland top the list for petrol price increases
Petrol prices in 26 EU member states rose during September. Sweden experienced the highest increase at 13.8%, with Poland and Estonia following at 9.7% and 9.5%, respectively. Cyprus recorded the smallest rise at 3.8%, while Romania and Slovenia saw increases of 4.2% and 4.6%. Both Poland and Sweden ranked among the top three countries for increases in diesel and petrol prices in September, with Sweden leading both categories.
The escalation in fuel expenses occurs amid rising energy prices burdening consumers across Europe. Inflation in the euro area reached 3.3% in August, driven by energy costs. The Bank of Italy anticipates an average oil price of $114 a barrel in the last quarter of 2026. Elevated fuel prices impact household budgets, as well as transportation and logistics expenses. Eurostat’s upcoming monthly updates will reveal whether these price increases persist. Fuel remains one of the most visible components of household expenditure in the EU.