Sylvie Willis
As of May 2025, the cost of diesel fuel in Europe varies across countries. For instance, the price of diesel in Albania is €1.76, while in Austria, it is €1.49. In the UK, the price of diesel has been similar to that of France, but since 2023, it has become more expensive to fill up in France. The price of diesel fuel is influenced by various factors, including crude oil prices, taxes, and refinery costs. For example, in the United States, the federal excise tax on gasoline is 18.40 cents per gallon, while state gasoline taxes can range from 15 cents in Alaska to 68 cents in California. Understanding these factors and staying up-to-date with the latest price information is essential for travellers planning a trip to Europe by car.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | Mid-May 2025 |
| Average Price of Diesel in Europe | €1.47 |
| Countries with Diesel More Expensive than Gasoline | Albania (€1.76), Andorra (€1.30), Austria (€1.49), Belgium (€1.50), Bosnia and Herzegovina (€1.14), Bulgaria (€1.19), Croatia (€1.47), Cyprus (€1.34), Czech Republic (€1.37), Denmark (€1.96), Estonia (€1.57), Finland (€1.69), France (€1.70) |
| Price Variation | Prices at petrol stations along highways may be higher than at stations near large shopping complexes |
| Impact of Taxes | Taxes and fees make up approximately 14% of the pump price; federal excise tax is 18.40¢ per gallon |
| Crude Oil Prices | Primary driver of gasoline prices since the 2020 COVID-19 recession |
| Engine Tune-Up | Can improve fuel economy by 1 mile per gallon |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel vs petrol prices
The price of fuel in Europe varies across countries and between fuel types. As of May 2025, the average price of LPG fuel in Europe was €1.39, with B7 Diesel and E5 (Super) being widely available across the continent.
In about a quarter of European countries, B7 Diesel is more expensive than gasoline. The price of diesel and petrol can also vary within a country, with prices at petrol stations along highways being slightly higher than those next to large shopping complexes.
Historically, fuel prices in France and the UK have been very similar. Between mid-2020 and mid-2021, petrol and diesel were more expensive in the UK, but since the start of 2023, fuel prices in France have been higher. As of May 2025, the Netherlands, Iceland, and Great Britain have the highest prices for E5 (Super) fuel, which is 25-30% more expensive than the European average.
E5 (Super Plus) is much less common in Europe and has limited availability in some countries. The highest prices for this fuel type can be found in Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.
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Diesel prices across Europe
As of May 2025, the price of diesel fuel varies across Europe. The price of diesel is influenced by various factors, including taxes and the cost of crude oil, and can fluctuate over time. While B7 diesel fuel is more expensive than gasoline in about a quarter of European countries, prices at petrol stations can also vary depending on their location. Stations along highways may have slightly higher prices than those next to large shopping complexes.
- Albania: €1.76
- Andorra: €1.30
- Austria: €1.49
- Belarus: €0.70
- Belgium: €1.50
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: €1.14
- Bulgaria: €1.19
- Croatia: €1.47
- Cyprus: €1.34
- Czech Republic: €1.37
- Denmark: €1.96
- Estonia: €1.57
- Finland: €1.69
- France: €1.70
The European Commission's Oil Bulletin provides weekly consumer prices for petroleum products in EU countries, aiding transparency and strengthening the internal market.
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Diesel prices in 2025
Diesel prices in Europe in 2025 are influenced by various factors, including refinery closures, government policies, and the global economy. According to forecasts, diesel prices in Europe are expected to be relatively stable or slightly higher than in previous years.
In the first quarter of 2025, the average diesel price in Europe is projected to be lower, at around $3.46 per gallon, with a slight increase expected in the following quarters, reaching $3.75 by the fourth quarter. This forecast suggests a downward trend in annual diesel prices for the third consecutive year.
However, it's important to note that diesel prices can vary significantly across different countries in Europe. For example, in Germany, diesel prices are estimated to range between EUR 1.37 and EUR 1.83 per litre, while in the United Kingdom, diesel prices are typically similar to those in France, and they have been observed to be higher than in the United States.
The diesel market in Europe is also affected by refinery shutdowns and a slight rebound in demand. About 1% of refining capacity in Europe is expected to shut down in 2025, which could result in a price increase for European diesel margins. Additionally, shipping rules coming into effect in May, designating the Mediterranean region as an Emission Control Area (ECA), are anticipated to increase gasoil demand.
Significant oil price shocks, similar to those witnessed in 2022, often lead to amplified price disparities across countries. In response, governments tend to intervene, transitioning from liberalised to more regulated policies, which further influences price uncertainty and country-specific variations. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, can also impact diesel prices by affecting oil production, delivery, and demand.
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Diesel tax rates
The Netherlands has the highest diesel tax in the EU at €0.79 per litre ($3.25 per gallon), followed by Italy at €0.73 per litre ($3.00 per gallon), and Finland at €0.72 per litre ($2.98 per gallon). Belgium and the United Kingdom levy the same rate on diesel and gasoline, while Slovenia is the only country that taxes diesel at a higher rate than unleaded petrol. The average excise duty on diesel in the EU is €0.43 per litre ($1.76 per gallon).
While European countries tend to tax petroleum fuels at the highest level globally, Switzerland, Iceland, Mexico, and the United States tax diesel at a higher rate than gasoline. In response to extreme energy price increases in 2022, many European countries provided partial relief through temporary fuel tax reductions. By 2023, fuel taxes had mostly returned to pre-war rates, with some countries continuing to levy higher excise duties on gasoline.
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Factors influencing diesel prices
Several factors influence diesel prices in Europe. Here are some key considerations:
Supply and Demand
The law of supply and demand significantly impacts diesel prices. When demand for diesel fuel is high, prices tend to increase, as suppliers can charge more due to the limited availability. Conversely, during periods of low demand, prices may decrease as suppliers compete to sell their product. Demand for diesel fuel can be influenced by various factors, including seasonal variations, economic conditions, and changes in transportation patterns.
Crude Oil Prices
The cost of crude oil is a significant factor in diesel pricing. Diesel fuel is derived from crude oil, so fluctuations in the global price of crude oil directly affect the cost of diesel. When crude oil prices rise, diesel prices tend to follow suit, and when crude oil prices fall, diesel prices may become more competitive.
Refinery and Distribution Costs
The process of refining crude oil into diesel fuel and distributing it to gas stations incurs significant costs. These costs include labour, transportation, storage, and marketing expenses. Fluctuations in these operational costs can impact the final price of diesel fuel at the pump.
Government Policies and Taxes
Government interventions, such as taxes, subsidies, and regulations, can significantly influence diesel prices. Taxes on diesel fuel can vary between countries and even within different regions of the same country. Changes in tax rates or the introduction of new environmental policies can directly impact the price of diesel for consumers.
Competition and Market Dynamics
The level of competition among fuel retailers can also affect diesel prices. In areas with multiple fuel stations competing for customers, prices may be lower compared to regions with limited options. Market dynamics, such as the introduction of new fuel alternatives or changes in consumer preferences, can also influence diesel pricing strategies.
Exchange Rates
As diesel fuel is traded globally, fluctuations in currency exchange rates can impact its price. For instance, if the euro weakens against other major currencies, the cost of importing diesel fuel may increase, leading to higher prices for consumers in the eurozone.
These factors, among others, contribute to the dynamic nature of diesel pricing in Europe. It's important to note that diesel prices can vary significantly between countries and even within different regions of the same country due to the influence of these factors.
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Frequently asked questions
The price of diesel fuel in Europe varies across countries. The price in euros for one litre of diesel fuel in different countries is as follows: Austria – €1.47, Belgium – €1.57, Bulgaria – €1.18, Croatia – €1.42, Czech Republic – €1.31, Denmark – €1.70, Estonia – €1.40, Finland – €1.58, France – €1.70.
Fuel prices within a country can vary greatly. Prices at petrol stations located along highways may be higher than at stations next to large shopping complexes. The price of fuel is influenced by crude oil prices, taxes, and refinery costs.
Denmark has the most expensive diesel fuel in Europe as of May 2025, with prices at €1.70 per litre.
Diesel fuel in Europe is typically priced by the litre.
The price of diesel fuel is influenced by various factors such as crude oil prices, taxes, refinery costs, and market conditions. Additionally, maintaining proper tyre inflation and reducing air conditioner usage can improve fuel economy.
