Diesel prices surge as wars and refinery disruptions squeeze supplies
publishers 21articles 25first reported 23 Sep, 13:27 UTCdeveloping since 23 Sep · 9 editions
Diesel prices have climbed to record levels in Europe as wars, refinery disruptions and supply shortages tighten global fuel markets. France24 reported that the average EU diesel price reached €2.23 a litre, while Sky News said diesel had hit an all-time high.
The EU is particularly exposed because it imports nearly all the oil it consumes and relies on imports for 57% of its overall energy needs, according to EU data cited by Fortune. Transport & Environment estimated that EU consumers are spending an additional €203 million a day on diesel.
Attacks on Russian refineries and export restrictions have added to the pressure. The International Energy Agency estimates that Russian diesel production is nearly 30% below 2025 levels, Deutsche Welle reported. Oil prices have also risen above $100 a barrel amid conflict in the Middle East, according to Carbon Brief. In the United States, weekly average diesel prices reached $6.52 a gallon, up from $3.74 a year earlier, based on Energy Information Administration figures cited by Deutsche Welle. President Donald Trump said his administration was considering restricting US diesel exports.
Governments and companies are introducing measures to limit the impact. Italy’s Eni capped diesel at €2.19 a litre and petrol at €1.99 for at least 30 days from September 28. EU governments have also adopted subsidies, tax changes and other relief.
In Britain, diesel rose 38% from February to £1.96 a litre and petrol increased 31% to £1.72, Carbon Brief calculated. Its analysis estimated that driving an electric vehicle on an off-peak home tariff costs 2.3 pence per mile, compared with 21 pence for diesel and 20.1 pence for petrol.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 4 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 42 h after the record first saw the story; the editor revised it.
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- Source articles
- 25
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- 8, 4 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 8
- This version written
- 42 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- revised
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