BRUSSELS, Belgium / EuroWire.IO / – In September, Bulgaria experienced the most significant increase in fuel prices within the European Union, as expenses across the bloc rose by 31.4% compared to the previous year. The cost of fuels and lubricants for personal transportation in Bulgaria surged by 42.2%. These figures were published by Eurostat on October 21. The growth rate marked a notable acceleration from 16.9% in July and 23.8% in August.
Estonia and Lithuania were the only other EU member states with annual increases exceeding 40%, at 40.6% and 40.2%, respectively. Additionally, 12 other countries saw rises of more than 30%. Within this group, increases ranged from 37.5% in Czechia to 30.3% in Portugal. In September, 26 EU nations experienced higher annual rates compared to July and August, indicating a widespread upward trend in fuel prices across the continent.
Hungary reported the smallest annual growth at 6.9%, making it the country with the lowest increase. Ireland followed at 17.7%, while Sweden’s increase was 19.9%. Cyprus, where prices grew by 24.6%, also remained below the EU average. These figures cover the fuels and lubricants purchased by households for cars and other personal vehicles and are part of the EU’s harmonised consumer price data.
Ongoing Monthly Increases in Diesel and Petrol Prices
In September, EU consumers paid 5.9% more for diesel compared to August, while petrol prices increased by 6.7% over the same period. A month earlier, diesel prices had risen by 8.3%, and petrol by 3.3%, relative to July. As a result, petrol surpassed diesel as the faster-growing fuel in September. These increases contribute to the road fuel costs faced by EU drivers this year. Eurostat compiled the data from national consumer price statistics.
Between August and September, diesel prices increased in 26 EU member states, with the highest monthly jumps recorded in Sweden at 12.8%, Latvia at 10.3%, and Poland at 9.7%. Spain experienced the smallest rise at 2.4%, followed by Croatia at 2.5% and Romania at 3.0%. All other countries with price increases registered monthly growth above 3%. Variations in national taxes and market dynamics influence how quickly these price changes impact consumers at the pump.
Sweden and Poland at the Forefront of Petrol Price Growth
Over the course of the month, petrol prices rose in 26 EU member states. Sweden saw the largest increase at 13.8%, with Poland and Estonia close behind at 9.7% and 9.5%. Cyprus experienced the smallest growth at 3.8%, ahead of Romania at 4.2% and Slovenia at 4.6%. Both Poland and Sweden ranked among the top three countries for increases in diesel and petrol prices in September, with Sweden leading both categories.
The escalation in fuel prices occurs amid rising energy costs impacting consumers throughout Europe. Inflation in the euro area reached 3.3% in August, driven by energy prices. The Bank of Italy projects an average oil price of $114 per barrel in the final quarter of 2026. Increased fuel costs influence household budgets and elevate expenses related to transport and logistics. Eurostat’s upcoming monthly reports will reveal whether these upward trends persist. Fuel remains among the most visible components of household expenditure.