BRUSSELS, Belgium / EuroWire.IO / – In September, Bulgaria experienced the most significant increase in fuel prices among EU member states, with costs across the bloc rising by 31.4% compared to the previous year. The prices of fuels and lubricants used for personal transportation in Bulgaria surged by 42.2%. This data was released by Eurostat on October 21, indicating a further acceleration from 16.9% in July and 23.8% in August.
Estonia and Lithuania were the only other countries with annual increases exceeding 40%, at 40.6% and 40.2%. An additional 12 nations saw growth rates above 30%. Among these, the increases ranged from 37.5% in Czechia to 30.3% in Portugal. In September, 26 EU countries registered higher yearly growth compared to July and August, demonstrating that inflationary pressures are spreading across almost the entire region.
At the lower end of the spectrum, Hungary reported the smallest annual rise at 6.9%. Ireland followed, with a significantly lower increase of 17.7%. Sweden recorded a 19.9% rise, while Cyprus experienced a 24.6% increase—both remaining below the EU average. These figures account for the fuels and lubricants that households purchase for personal vehicles, which are included in the EU’s harmonized consumer price index.
Continued monthly increases in diesel and petrol prices
On a monthly basis, EU consumers paid 5.9% more for diesel in September than in August. Over the same period, petrol prices increased by 6.7%. A month prior, diesel had risen by 8.3%, and petrol by 3.3%, compared to July. Notably, petrol surpassed diesel as the faster-growing fuel in September. These increases further contribute to the road fuel costs faced by EU drivers this year. Eurostat compiled these figures based on national consumer price data.
Between August and September, 26 EU countries experienced rises in diesel prices. The most substantial monthly increases occurred in Sweden at 12.8%, Latvia at 10.3%, and Poland at 9.7%. Conversely, Spain saw the smallest increase at 2.4%, with Croatia at 2.5%, and Romania at 3.0%. All other nations with rising prices reported monthly growth above 3%. Variations in national taxes and market conditions influence how rapidly these price changes impact drivers at the pump.
Sweden and Poland lead in petrol price hikes
Over the same period, petrol prices increased in 26 member states. Sweden experienced the highest jump at 13.8%, with Poland and Estonia following at 9.7% and 9.5%. The smallest increase was observed in Cyprus at 3.8%, with Romania at 4.2% and Slovenia at 4.6%. Both Poland and Sweden ranked among the top three countries for the largest increases in diesel and petrol prices in September, with Sweden leading in both categories.
The escalation in fuel prices coincides with rising energy costs affecting consumers throughout Europe. Inflation in the euro area reached 3.3% in August, driven partly by energy prices. The Bank of Italy forecasts an average oil price of $114 per barrel in the last quarter of 2026. These higher fuel expenses impact household budgets and increase costs in transport and logistics sectors. Eurostat’s upcoming monthly reports will reveal whether this trend persists, as fuel remains one of the most noticeable components of household expenditures.