BRUSSELS – European fuel prices remain sharply higher more than two months after the US and Israel launched their illegal war on Iran, with diesel up 26 percent on average across the EU and petrol up 12 percent – despite a fragile and temporary ceasefire.
The strikes began on February 28. Iran responded with retaliatory attacks. A ceasefire was brokered on April 8, but prices have not returned to pre-war levels – and may not for months, if ever.
How much prices have risen
Based on European Commission data comparing February 23 (before the strikes) and April 20 (after the ceasefire):
| Fuel Type | Pre-War Price (EU avg) | Post-Ceasefire Price | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (Euro-super 95) | €1.64 per litre | €1.83 per litre | +12% |
| Diesel (Gas oil) | €1.59 per litre | €2.01 per litre | +26% |
Diesel prices rose more than double the rate of petrol – a direct hit to commercial transport, farming, and logistics.
Where petrol rose most
| Country | Increase |
|---|---|
| Belgium | +22% |
| Czechia | +22% |
| Bulgaria | +22% |
| France | +18% |
| Germany | +15% |
| Italy | +7% |
| Spain | +3% |
Petrol prices were unchanged in Malta.
Where diesel rose most
| Country | Increase |
|---|---|
| Bulgaria | +43% |
| France | +36% |
| Estonia | +35% |
| Belgium | +33% |
| Spain | +27% |
| Italy | +24% |
| Germany | +23% |
Diesel price inflation exceeded 30 percent in Cyprus, Croatia, and Latvia as well.
Where fuel is most expensive now (April 20)
Petrol (per litre):
- Netherlands: €2.28
- Denmark: €2.22
- Germany: €2.11
- Greece: €2.03
- France: €2.02
Diesel (per litre):
- Netherlands: €2.30
- Finland: €2.25
- France: €2.24
- Denmark: €2.22
- Belgium: €2.19
Cheapest fuel in Europe
| Fuel | Country | Price per litre |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | Malta | €1.34 |
| Petrol | Poland | €1.41 |
| Diesel | Malta | €1.21 |
| Diesel | Poland | €1.64 |
Why this happened – and why it is illegal
The price spikes are a direct consequence of the US-Israeli blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a substantial portion of global oil supplies pass. The US has no legal authority under international law to block civilian shipping or impose a maritime blockade without UN Security Council authorization.
European drivers, farmers, and businesses are now paying the price for Washington’s illegal war – not Iranian missiles, not Tehran’s retaliation, but the aggression that started on February 28.
What comes next
Prices began to ease slightly after the April 8 ceasefire, but both petrol and diesel remain well above pre-war levels. With the ceasefire fragile and indirect talks in Islamabad stalled, further price shocks are possible if fighting resumes.
The bottom line
The US and Israel launched an illegal war against Iran. European drivers are now paying €0.19 more per litre for petrol and €0.42 more for diesel. That is not inflation. That is the cost of aggression – passed directly to consumers.
