ISTANBUL
Rising tensions in the Middle East have altered fuel pricing trends across Europe, sending pump prices to record highs Thursday and pushing diesel above gasoline in several countries.
European Commission data showed fuel prices continued climbing across the bloc, with increases outside Germany accelerating in recent days.
While Germany initially saw sharper price jumps than most EU peers after the Feb. 28 US-Israeli attacks on Iran, neighboring countries have since caught up, reducing the gap in retail fuel costs.
Diesel prices have come under stronger pressure than gasoline, reflecting the effect of higher transport and logistics costs linked to the war.
Denmark has now surpassed Germany in the pace of diesel price increases, while Austria’s price gains have nearly matched those in the German market. Although Poland, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, and Belgium still offer relatively cheaper fuel due to lower tax burdens, the appeal of cross-border fuel shopping has weakened.
The Netherlands and Denmark remain the costliest fuel markets in Europe. Based on prices per 1,000 liters, the Netherlands posted the highest gasoline price at €2,262 ($2,608) and the highest diesel price at €2,264. Denmark followed with gasoline at €2,178 and diesel at €2,208. In Germany, gasoline stood at €2,085 and diesel at €2,146.
At the lower end of the scale, Bulgaria remained the cheapest market for gasoline at €1,331 per 1,000 liters, while Malta had the lowest diesel price at €1,210. Poland and Romania also stayed below the European average, with prices ranging between €1,500 and €1,700.
Heating oil prices also showed wide disparities across the bloc despite the approaching end of winter. Denmark recorded heating fuel costs as much as €2,215 per 1,000 liters, compared with around €1,000 in Malta.
In an effort to curb volatility, Germany’s coalition government submitted a proposal to parliament based on the so-called Austrian model, which would allow fuel stations to raise prices only once per day, at noon, while permitting cuts at any time.
According to the General German Automobile Club (ADAC), Germany’s diesel prices have risen by €0.42 since the war began in late February, while E10 gasoline prices have increased by around €0.27.