BRUSSELS, Belgium / EuroWire.IO / – In September 2026, the cost of fuel for personal vehicles in the European Union climbed by 31.4% compared to the previous year, according to Eurostat. This marked the most significant increase over the past three months. In July, annual growth was 16.9%, and it reached 23.8% in August. The data cover fuels and lubricants used in private transportation. Eurostat released these figures on October 21. The index is part of the EU’s harmonised consumer price statistics.
In September, 26 of the 27 EU countries experienced higher annual price increases than in July and August. Bulgaria saw the largest jump at 42.2%. Estonia followed with 40.6%, and Lithuania with 40.2%. These were the only nations where prices increased by more than 40%. Additionally, 12 countries reported annual increases exceeding 30%, ranging from 37.5% in Czechia to 30.3% in Portugal. The widespread rise indicates how broadly higher costs have affected the entire bloc.
Hungary recorded the smallest yearly increase at 6.9%. Ireland’s increase stood at 17.7%, and Sweden’s at 19.9%. Prices in Cyprus rose by 24.6%, below the EU average. The data show that nearly all member states paid significantly more at the pump than a year earlier. Several governments, such as Germany, have responded by cutting fuel taxes to help households cope with rising costs.
Fuel prices for diesel and petrol increase again in September
Prices continued to rise sharply month-over-month. EU-wide, diesel prices increased by 5.9% in September compared to August. Petrol prices went up by 6.7% over the same period. In August, diesel had climbed by 8.3%, and petrol by 3.3%, compared with July. These figures show persistent upward pressure on transport fuel costs during late summer and into autumn.
Between August and September, 26 EU nations saw diesel prices increase. Sweden experienced the highest monthly rise at 12.8%, followed by Latvia at 10.3%, and Poland at 9.7%. The smallest increases were in Spain at 2.4%, Croatia at 2.5%, and Romania at 3.0%. The data demonstrate significant differences among member states. Taxes and duties make up a large part of the final pump price in most EU countries.
Sweden records the largest monthly jump in petrol prices
Petrol prices increased in 26 member states between August and September. Sweden saw the largest monthly rise at 13.8%. Poland followed with 9.7%, and Estonia with 9.5%. The smallest increases were in Cyprus at 3.8%, Romania at 4.2%, and Slovenia at 4.6%. Despite having the lowest annual increases, Sweden experienced the biggest monthly hikes for both diesel and petrol. Cyprus remained below the EU average on the annual measure.
Rising energy costs have pushed up consumer prices across Europe this year. Euro area inflation reached 3.3% in August, driven largely by energy prices. The Bank of Italy recently projected that oil prices will average $114 a barrel in the fourth quarter of 2026. Eurostat will release additional price data soon. Fuel expenses continue to significantly impact household budgets and transport companies.