BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – Transport & Environment, the organization behind the analysis, reported that rising petrol and diesel prices have contributed an estimated €53 billion to European Union road transport expenditures in 2026. This figure accounts for the 28-week period ending September 6, with the group comparing spending levels to the same timeframe in 2025 and adjusting for inflation. Diesel was responsible for roughly €40 billion of this increase, making it the primary driver of the surge.
During that period, the report estimated that the rise in road fuel prices resulted in an average daily cost of approximately €270 million for the EU. Out of this, diesel contributed around €203 million per day, while petrol added about €67 million. The study attributes the price hikes to tighter refined-fuel supplies amid the Middle East conflict and outages at Russian refineries. These disruptions pushed refined fuel prices higher relative to crude oil, with diesel experiencing some of the most significant upward pressure.
The European Commission has also observed notable volatility in the oil and refined-product markets throughout 2026. Its Oil Coordination Group stated on September 8 that the EU currently faces no immediate shortage of oil supplies. They emphasized that increased refinery production within the bloc, along with alternative international sources, has been sufficient to meet demand. Additionally, commercial inventories and emergency reserves are still at adequate levels. The Commission highlighted that diesel and jet fuel markets have experienced particularly high fluctuations in prices.
Impact of Diesel Price Hikes on Drivers and Freight Firms
The escalation in fuel prices has affected both individual motorists and commercial transport operators. Transport & Environment estimated that the average diesel car driver in the EU paid around €142 more during the period studied. As of September 14, filling a 50-litre diesel tank cost roughly €30 more than the baseline before the conflict, which is used in the analysis. For long-haul trucking in Germany, this translated into an additional weekly fuel expense of approximately €236.
Road freight remains highly sensitive to diesel costs across Europe. The report referenced about 6.2 million trucks operating on the continent’s roads and noted that road transport accounted for 77% of EU diesel and gasoil consumption in 2024. According to Eurostat data, gas and diesel oil supplied 63.2% of the energy used in road transportation that year, with motor gasoline providing 26.9%, renewables and biofuels making up 6.2%, and electricity representing 0.7%.
Recent EU Data Expands on Fuel Price Trends
On September 24, the European Commission updated its Weekly Oil Bulletin, which features recent consumer fuel prices reported by EU member states. This publication monitors weekly petroleum prices before and after taxes, offering a historical record dating back to 2005. The latest update follows the September 6 cutoff date used in the €53 billion estimate. The Commission continues to observe conditions related to oil supply, refinery output, inventories, and price dynamics across member nations.
The €53 billion figure remains an estimate from the environmental group and is not an official EU figure. It reflects additional road fuel expenditures during the 28-week comparison period in 2026. Diesel accounts for most of this increase, given its significant role in passenger and freight transport. The data illustrate how fluctuations in refined-fuel markets have translated into increased costs for drivers and logistics operators within the EU during this timeframe.