Ameer Randolph
As of March 2024, diesel was one of the most expensive motor fuels in Northern Ireland, with prices nine pence higher than average prices for unleaded 95 octane fuel (regular gasoline). The previous month, diesel prices were even higher than those for super unleaded fuel, which is usually the priciest option. Fuel prices in Northern Ireland peaked in June 2022, with diesel costing 194.1 pence (or USD 1.91) per liter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 30 September 2022 |
| Unleaded 95 Octane Fuel Price | 178.6 pence per liter |
| Super Unleaded Fuel Price | N/A |
| Diesel Fuel Price | 194.1 pence per liter |
| Date | 31 March 2024 |
| Unleaded 95 Octane Fuel Price | N/A |
| Super Unleaded Fuel Price | N/A |
| Diesel Fuel Price | 9 pence higher than Unleaded 95 Octane |
| Current Gasoline Price in Ireland | USD 1.91 per liter |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel is the most expensive fuel type
In Northern Ireland, diesel has historically been the most expensive conventional motor fuel type. In September 2022, diesel prices peaked at 194.1 pence per liter due to the Russia-Ukraine war, which caused greater oil and gas supply constraints. Even prior to this peak, in September 2022, diesel was the most expensive fuel type in Northern Ireland at 178.6 pence per liter.
Diesel prices have not always been higher than unleaded 95 octane fuel (regular gasoline) and super unleaded fuel prices. For example, in March 2024, diesel prices were only nine pence higher than average prices for unleaded 95 octane fuel. However, in the recent past, diesel prices have been significantly higher than these other fuel types. In June 2022, during the Russia-Ukraine war, diesel prices reached a peak of 194.1 pence per liter.
The high cost of diesel fuel in Northern Ireland has had a notable impact on consumer preferences. Between 2018 and 2021/22, the number of newly-registered passenger cars powered by diesel engines decreased significantly. This shift away from diesel is also evident in the broader UK context, where the registration of diesel-powered cars has fallen out of favor. In 2018, nearly a third of all new passenger cars were diesel-powered, but by 2021/22, this figure had dropped to below 10%.
The decline in diesel's popularity is attributed to the growing preference for alternative fuels and the increasing popularity of electric vehicles. In 2021, nearly 20% of car sales were battery electric or hybrid-electric vehicles, and by 2022, the plug-in electric vehicle fleet in Northern Ireland had grown to nearly 14,000 units. As a result of these changing consumer preferences, diesel fuel, which was once the most expensive fuel type, may see its prices become more competitive or fluctuate in the future.
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Unleaded 95 octane fuel is cheaper
The price of unleaded 95 octane fuel in Northern Ireland has fluctuated over the years. In September 2022, it was priced at 178.6 pence per liter. As the Russia-Ukraine war brought about greater oil and gas supply constraints, fuel prices reached a peak in June 2022, with unleaded 95 octane costing 194.1 pence per liter.
The average price of unleaded 95 octane fuel in Ireland from April 2015 to March 2025 was EUR 1.51 per liter, with a minimum of EUR 1.20 in February 2016 and a maximum of EUR 2.17 in June 2022.
The price of unleaded 95 octane fuel is influenced by various factors, including supply and demand, the cost of crude oil, and government regulations. In recent years, there has been a shift in consumer preference towards alternative fuels, which has impacted the demand for unleaded 95 octane fuel.
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Super unleaded fuel is costly
Super unleaded fuel is one of the most expensive motor fuels in Northern Ireland. In March 2024, diesel prices were nine pence higher than the average prices for unleaded 95 octane fuel (regular gasoline). The previous month, diesel prices were even greater than those for super unleaded fuel, which is usually the priciest option.
The cost of super unleaded fuel in Northern Ireland has seen significant fluctuations. In June 2022, during the Russia-Ukraine war, fuel prices reached a peak, with diesel costing 194.1 pence per liter. In September of the same year, diesel was the most expensive conventional motor fuel, priced at 178.6 pence per liter.
The high cost of super unleaded fuel can be attributed to various factors, including supply constraints, global conflicts, and shifts in consumer preferences. The decline in the popularity of diesel-powered vehicles has also impacted the demand for super unleaded fuel. In 2018, nearly a third of all newly registered passenger cars in the UK were diesel-powered. However, by 2021, this figure had dropped to less than 10%, and by 2022, it had further decreased to 5%.
The increasing preference for alternative fuels and the rise in popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles have also influenced the demand for super unleaded fuel. In 2021, the combined share of battery electric and hybrid-electric vehicle sales reached nearly 20% in the UK. As a result, the high cost of super unleaded fuel in Northern Ireland can be attributed to a complex interplay of market dynamics, global events, and shifting consumer preferences.
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Electric vehicles are rising in popularity
As of March 2025, the price of car fuel in Northern Ireland is USD 1.91 per liter. The high cost of fuel is one of the reasons for the rising popularity of electric vehicles (EVs).
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular around the world. In 2025, the revenue in the EV market is projected to reach US$828.6 billion worldwide, with a steady annual growth rate leading to a projected market volume of US$1,084.0 billion by 2029. This growth is driven by several factors, including consumer preferences, government initiatives, and technological advancements.
One of the main reasons for the growing popularity of EVs is the increasing concern for the environment and the need to reduce carbon emissions. Consumers are becoming more conscious of their ecological footprint and are opting for greener transportation options. EVs offer a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars, which produce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to climate change.
Government policies and regulations related to emissions standards and fuel efficiency also play a significant role in the development of the EV market. Strong government policies and financial incentives in high-income countries, such as Norway, Sweden, and China, have paved the way for a dynamic EV industry and helped reduce costs. As a result, Norway, for example, has seen eight out of ten passenger car sales be electric vehicles in 2022.
In addition to environmental concerns and government initiatives, advancements in battery technology have also contributed to the rising popularity of EVs. Consumers are gaining more confidence in electric battery lifetimes, increasing the resale value of EVs. The positive brand image of some EV models, such as Tesla, has also contributed to the growing demand for these vehicles.
The increasing cost of fuel is another factor driving the shift towards EVs. As fuel prices rise, more people are considering electric vehicles as a more energy-efficient and cost-effective option. The roll-out of low-emissions zones that restrict access for the most polluting vehicles, and taxes and parking fees specifically targeted at internal combustion engine vehicles, also make EVs a more attractive choice.
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Diesel engine registrations are declining
As of March 2025, the price of gasoline in Ireland is USD 1.91 per liter. In Northern Ireland, diesel is one of the most expensive motor fuels. In March 2024, diesel prices were nine pence higher than unleaded 95 octane fuel.
The high price of diesel in Northern Ireland may be one of the reasons for the decline in diesel engine registrations. In 2024, the volumes of new diesel cars slumped by 26.2% from January to September. This decline is not limited to Northern Ireland or the UK but is also being witnessed in other large European markets. France, Italy, and Germany all saw declines in passenger car registrations in 2024, with Spain being the only country to experience growth.
In the UK, diesel engine registrations have been declining since 2018. In 2018, nearly a third of all newly registered passenger cars were powered by a diesel engine. By 2022, this figure had decreased to just five percent. This decline has been attributed to a shift in consumer preference towards alternative fuels, with battery electric and hybrid-electric vehicles accounting for about one-third of car registrations.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) CEO Mike Hawes attributed the decline in diesel car registrations to "business and political uncertainty" and "confusion over air quality plans," which are reducing buyer confidence. He also reassured consumers that all new diesel and petrol models on the market will not face any bans or additional charges.
Carmakers are also contributing to the decline in diesel engine registrations by reducing the number of diesel powertrains they offer and focusing instead on electrified variants.
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