BRUSSELS, Belgium / EuroWire.IO / – According to Eurostat, fuel costs for personal transportation in the European Union experienced a 31.4% increase in September 2026 compared to the same month last year. This marks the sharpest rise over the past three months, following annual increases of 16.9% in July and 23.8% in August. The data encompasses fuels and lubricants used in private vehicles. Eurostat released these figures on October 21, as part of the EU’s harmonised consumer price index.
In September, 26 out of 27 EU member states reported higher year-over-year fuel price increases than in July and August. Bulgaria saw the most significant jump at 42.2%, with Estonia and Lithuania following at 40.6% and 40.2%, respectively. These three countries were the only ones to experience over 40% growth. Additionally, 12 other nations reported annual increases exceeding 30%, ranging from 37.5% in Czechia to 30.3% in Portugal. The widespread nature of these increases indicates a broad escalation of fuel costs across the bloc.
Hungary recorded the smallest annual rise at 6.9%, while Ireland’s increase was 17.7%, with Sweden at 19.9%. In Cyprus, prices went up by 24.6%, still below the EU average. The data demonstrate that drivers nearly everywhere within the union paid significantly more at the pump than they did a year prior. Several governments, including Germany, have responded by reducing fuel taxes to help alleviate the financial burden on households.
Diesel and petrol prices again increase in September
Fuel prices continued their upward trajectory on a monthly basis. EU-wide, diesel prices rose by 5.9% in September compared to August, while petrol prices saw a 6.7% increase during the same period. In August, diesel prices had already climbed by 8.3%, and petrol by 3.3% compared to July. These figures point to persistent upward pressure on transportation fuel expenses through late summer and into the autumn season.
Between August and September, 26 EU countries experienced increases in diesel prices. Sweden led with a monthly rise of 12.8%, followed by Latvia at 10.3% and Poland at 9.7%. The smallest monthly increases were observed in Spain at 2.4%, Croatia at 2.5%, and Romania at 3.0%. These variations highlight the significant differences among member states, largely influenced by national taxes and duties which constitute a large portion of the final pump price in most EU nations.
Sweden reports the largest monthly petrol price jump
Between August and September, petrol prices increased in 26 member states, with Sweden again experiencing the highest monthly rise at 13.8%. Poland followed with 9.7%, and Estonia with 9.5%. The lowest increases occurred in Cyprus at 3.8%, Romania at 4.2%, and Slovenia at 4.6%. Despite only one of the lowest annual growths, Sweden saw the biggest monthly increases in both diesel and petrol prices. Meanwhile, Cyprus remained below the EU average on the annual scale.
Rising energy costs have contributed to increased consumer prices across Europe this year. Euro area inflation reached 3.3% in August, largely driven by energy prices. The Bank of Italy recently projected that oil prices will average $114 a barrel during the fourth quarter of 2026. Eurostat is expected to release additional price data in the upcoming weeks. Fuel expenses remain a critical factor impacting household budgets and the operations of transport companies.