With fuel costs already placing a strain on household budgets, Spanish motorists are bracing for even tougher times as the government’s temporary fuel discount is set to expire on September 30. The removal of this discount, which currently reduces petrol prices by 5 cents per litre and diesel by 20 cents, could see average diesel prices surpass €2 per litre, bringing further financial pressure to consumers.
Currently, petrol prices in Spain have risen for the 11th week in a row, with over 150 service stations in Aragón already charging more than €2 per litre. The national average price for regular petrol climbed to €1.866 per litre as of September 17, marking a 2.88% increase from the previous week, while diesel prices also saw an uptick, reaching €1.834 per litre.
The surge in fuel costs can be traced back to rising global oil prices, exacerbated by disruptions in energy supplies from the Middle East. Spain, which is heavily reliant on imported crude oil, is particularly vulnerable to these international price shifts, leading to the current upward trend in domestic fuel prices.
As the price of fuel continues to climb, Spanish drivers are increasingly turning to price comparisons to find the best deals at the pump. With significant price differences between service stations, the strategy of shopping around for cheaper fuel is becoming a necessary practice for many. The anticipated end of the government fuel discount only adds urgency to the need for cost-saving measures as fuel expenses threaten to soar further.