BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – In 2026, increased road fuel prices are projected to add approximately €53 billion to European Union transportation expenses. Transport & Environment released this estimate on September 23 after analyzing data from the 28 weeks ending on September 6. The group compared fuel expenditures from this period to the same timeframe a year earlier, adjusting for inflation. Diesel accounted for roughly €40 billion of the total additional costs. The calculation encompasses diesel and petrol expenses related to road transportation.
According to T&E, higher fuel prices increased EU road transport costs by an average of €270 million daily. Of this, about €203 million was attributed to diesel, while petrol contributed roughly €67 million. The rise was linked to tighter supplies of refined fuels amid conflicts in the Middle East and outages at Russian refineries. These pressures widened the gap between crude oil prices and refined products, especially diesel. Diesel and gasoil make up around 43% of petroleum products used in the EU by volume.
The European Commission has separately noted significant fluctuations in crude oil and refined-product markets, particularly for diesel and jet fuel. Its Oil Coordination Group stated on September 8 that the EU currently faces no immediate oil supply shortages, as increased refinery output and alternative global supplies continue to meet demand. Additionally, existing commercial and emergency stocks are adequate. The Commission highlighted that geopolitical uncertainty remains a key driver of the marked price volatility observed worldwide across oil and petroleum markets.
Costs of diesel burden drivers and freight services
For individual drivers, T&E estimated that the average EU diesel car owner spent about €142 more during the analyzed period. By September 14, the group calculated an extra €30 on a 50-litre diesel fill-up compared to pre-conflict levels. Long-distance trucks in Germany faced an additional weekly fuel expense of approximately €236. The analysis notes that Europe’s road network includes about 6.2 million trucks. Increased diesel prices also impacted freight operators and other commercial fuel consumers.
Diesel remains a key fuel in EU road transport and logistics. T&E reported that in 2024, 77% of the bloc’s diesel and gasoil consumption was for road transport. Eurostat data confirm that gas and diesel oil supplied 63.2% of the energy used for road transport that year, with motor gasoline providing 26.9%, renewables and biofuels 6.2%, and electricity only 0.7%. Diesel and gasoline together accounted for 90.1% of the sector’s energy consumption in 2024.
Latest EU data continue to monitor fuel price trends
On September 24, the European Commission released an update to its Weekly Oil Bulletin, presenting recent consumer petroleum prices across EU member states. The bulletin tracks weekly prices, both including and excluding taxes, with data dating back to 2005. This update follows the conclusion of T&E’s study period on September 6. The Commission regularly collects national price data and provides comparative analyses among countries. Its September 8 supply review identified diesel and jet fuel as products experiencing significant price volatility.
The €53 billion figure from T&E is an estimate based on the environmental organization’s analysis, not an official EU calculation. It considers the extra road fuel expenditure over the 28-week period in 2026. The report also highlights the impact on passenger vehicles and commercial transportation, noting that diesel comprises most of the estimated increase. T&E advocates measures to curb diesel demand and promote vehicle electrification. Meanwhile, official EU data continue to track fuel prices, supply conditions, and petroleum consumption within the union.