BRUSSELS, Belgium / EuroWire.IO / – The European Union saw a significant increase in fuel prices for personal vehicles, rising by 31.4% in September 2026 compared to the same month last year, according to Eurostat. This was the most substantial rise recorded over the past three months, following annual growth rates of 16.9% in July and 23.8% in August. The data encompasses fuels and lubricants used in private cars. Eurostat released these figures on October 21 as part of the EU’s harmonised consumer price statistics.
In September, 26 of the 27 EU member states experienced higher year-on-year increases than in July and August. Bulgaria saw the highest jump at 42.2%. Estonia followed closely with 40.6%, and Lithuania with 40.2%. These three nations were the only ones where prices climbed by over 40%. Additionally, 12 countries reported annual increases above 30%, with Czechia at 37.5% and Portugal at 30.3%. The widespread nature of these increases highlights how broadly the rising costs have affected the entire bloc.
Hungary recorded the smallest annual growth among the EU countries at 6.9%. Ireland was next at 17.7%, and Sweden at 19.9%. In Cyprus, prices increased by 24.6%, remaining below the EU average. The data clearly show that nearly all drivers in member states paid significantly more at the pump than they did a year prior. In response, some governments, such as Germany, have taken steps to reduce fuel taxes to help ease the financial burden on households.
September Sees Renewed Rise in Diesel and Petrol Prices
Fuel prices continued their upward trend from August to September, with diesel prices across the EU climbing by 5.9%. Petrol prices increased even more, rising by 6.7% during the same period. In August, diesel had already increased by 8.3%, and petrol by 3.3%, compared to July. These figures indicate persistent upward pressure on transportation fuel costs extending through late summer and into the fall.
Between August and September, 26 EU countries experienced higher diesel prices. Sweden led with a monthly increase of 12.8%, followed by Latvia at 10.3% and Poland at 9.7%. The smallest monthly gains were seen in Spain at 2.4%, Croatia at 2.5%, and Romania at 3.0%. The data reveal notable differences in fuel price hikes among member states, with taxes and duties constituting a significant portion of the final pump prices in most countries.
Sweden Records Largest Monthly Growth in Petrol Prices
Petrol prices in 26 member states also increased from August to September. Sweden experienced the highest monthly rise at 13.8%. Poland followed with 9.7%, and Estonia with 9.5%. Conversely, the smallest increases were observed in Cyprus at 3.8%, Romania at 4.2%, and Slovenia at 4.6%. Despite recording the largest monthly gains for both diesel and petrol, Sweden’s annual increases remained among the lowest. Cyprus continued to stay below the EU average on the yearly measure.
Rising energy prices have contributed to increased consumer costs throughout Europe this year. Euro area inflation reached 3.3% in August, largely driven by energy expenses. The Bank of Italy recently projected that oil prices will average $114 a barrel in the fourth quarter of 2026. Eurostat is expected to release additional price data in the upcoming weeks. Fuel expenses remain a crucial element influencing household budgets and transportation businesses across the continent.