BRUSSELS, Belgium / EuroWire.IO / – According to Eurostat, fuel costs for private 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 a 16.9% growth in July and a 23.8% increase in August. The reported figures encompass fuels and lubricants used in personal vehicles. Eurostat released this data on October 21, as part of the EU’s harmonised consumer price index.
In September, 26 of the 27 EU nations experienced year-on-year growth rates higher than those recorded in July and August. Bulgaria saw the highest jump at 42.2%, with Estonia at 40.6% and Lithuania at 40.2%. These three countries were the only ones with increases surpassing 40%. Additionally, 12 other member states recorded annual rises exceeding 30%, from 37.5% in Czechia to 30.3% in Portugal. This widespread increase highlights the broad reach of rising fuel prices across the bloc.
Hungary recorded the smallest annual increase at 6.9%, while Ireland’s rise was at 17.7% and Sweden’s at 19.9%. In Cyprus, prices grew by 24.6%, below the EU average. The data clearly indicate that drivers almost everywhere in the EU paid considerably more at the pump than a year earlier. Some governments, including Germany, have responded by reducing fuel taxes to lessen the financial burden on households.
September Sees Continued Increase in Diesel and Petrol Prices
Fuel prices also experienced notable monthly growth. Diesel prices across the EU rose by 5.9% in September compared to August, while petrol prices increased by 6.7% over the same period. In August, diesel had climbed by 8.3% and petrol by 3.3% compared to July. These figures indicate persistent upward pressure on transportation fuel costs into late summer and autumn.
Between August and September, 26 EU countries saw increases in diesel prices, with Sweden recording the highest monthly rise 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%. The variation among member states reflects the significant impact of national taxes and duties, which constitute a large part of the final pump price in most EU countries.
Sweden Reports Largest Monthly Gains in Petrol Prices
Between August and September, petrol prices increased in 26 EU member states. Sweden again led with a 13.8% rise, followed by Poland 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 the low annual rise, Sweden experienced the highest monthly jumps for both diesel and petrol. Meanwhile, Cyprus remained below the EU average on the yearly measure.
Rising energy prices have contributed to increased consumer costs across Europe this year. Euro area inflation reached 3.3% in August, primarily driven by energy expenses. 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 upcoming weeks. Fuel expenses continue to be a crucial factor affecting household budgets and the operations of transport companies.