European diesel prices rise 40% since start of year

Diesel fuel prices in Europe have risen by 40% since the beginning of 2026, while petrol prices have increased by 28%, the Financial Times reports, citing data from Transport & Environment (T&E) and the European Commission.

The report said the additional costs to European drivers resulting from higher diesel prices are estimated at €203 million per day.

Filling a 50-litre diesel tank now costs around €30 more than it did at the beginning of the year. The estimate of additional costs does not take into account fuel tax cuts introduced by authorities in several European countries.

According to the FT, the rise in global diesel prices is linked to disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and reduced supplies from Russian oil refineries.

Against the backdrop of rising fuel prices, US President Donald Trump has called on Ukraine to stop striking Russian oil refineries.

Europe is particularly sensitive to rising diesel prices, as diesel accounts for more than 40% of petroleum product consumption — twice the share in the United States.

T&E reports that around four in 10 cars in Europe are powered by diesel engines.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov