BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – In 2026, increased costs for petrol and diesel have added an estimated €53 billion to European Union road transportation expenses. Transport & Environment calculated this rise over the 28 weeks ending September 6, comparing expenditures with the same period in 2025 and adjusting for inflation. Diesel contributed approximately €40 billion to this surge, making it the primary driver of the increase.
The report estimates that higher fuel prices led to daily costs of about €270 million across the EU. Of this, diesel accounted for around €203 million, while petrol made up roughly €67 million. The price hike was linked to reduced refined-fuel supplies amid the Middle East conflict and outages at Russian refineries, which pushed refined fuel costs higher relative to crude oil, with diesel experiencing some of the strongest price pressures.
The European Commission also observed notable volatility in oil and refined-product markets during 2026. Its Oil Coordination Group reported on September 8 that the EU currently faces no immediate oil supply shortages. Increased refinery activity within the bloc and alternative international sources have continued to meet demand, with inventories and emergency reserves remaining sufficient. The group highlighted that diesel and jet fuel markets have seen particularly high price fluctuations.
Impacts of Diesel Price Rises on Drivers and Freight
Both individual motorists and commercial freight operators have felt the impact of rising diesel costs. Transport & Environment estimated that an average EU diesel car owner paid roughly €142 more during the period. By September 14, refilling a 50-litre diesel tank cost about €30 more than the baseline before the conflict. Long-haul trucks in Germany faced weekly additional fuel expenses of around €236.
Heavy reliance on diesel makes road freight especially vulnerable. The analysis cited approximately 6.2 million trucks operating across Europe, with road transport responsible for 77% of EU diesel and gasoil consumption in 2024. According to Eurostat, gas and diesel oil supplied 63.2% of road transport energy that year, followed by motor gasoline at 26.9%, with renewables and biofuels at 6.2%, and electricity at 0.7%.
EU Fuel Price Data Continues to Evolve
The European Commission updated its Weekly Oil Bulletin on September 24, featuring recent consumer fuel prices reported by EU nations. The bulletin tracks weekly petroleum prices before and after taxes, with data extending back to 2005. This update aligns with the September 6 cutoff used in the €53 billion estimate. The Commission also monitors oil supply conditions, refinery output, inventories, and price trends across member states.
The €53 billion figure remains an estimate from the environmental organization, not an official EU figure. It reflects additional road fuel expenditure during the 28-week period analyzed in 2026. Diesel accounted for most of this increase, given its significant role in passenger and freight transport. The data illustrate how fluctuations in refined-fuel markets translated into higher costs for drivers and freight operators across the EU during this period.