From 2021 to 30 euros more expensive
Gasoline and diesel prices fell for the second week in a row, sliding 1.4% and 2% respectively thanks to a government-approved discount of 20 cents per liter, which is being applied at the point of sale in many gas stations. The discount has helped soften the daily cost for drivers and comes as part of a broader strategy to cushion households from price pressures this year.
The latest EU Oil Bulletin, released this Thursday, shows the national average across multiple countries. Across 11,400 service stations between April 5 and 11, gasoline averaged 1.59 euros per liter, while diesel averaged 1.613 euros per liter after the discount in Spain. These figures reflect a continued decline in both fuels and highlight how policy measures influence consumer prices at the pump.
Even with the recent drop, diesel remains more expensive than gasoline for the third consecutive week around the Easter period, although it is currently about 10.3% cheaper overall. Gasoline prices have fallen about 14% from their peak a month ago, a peak that was tied to record levels reached three weeks earlier. When the discount is confirmed by the Executive Board and implemented, the national response plan aims to counteract the economic and social impact of the Ukraine conflict, potentially bringing the average gasoline price to around 1.79 euros, with diesel hovering near 1.813 euros per liter at refueling. These projections place both fuels among the higher price points in recent memory, underscoring the volatility still present in energy markets.
This latest decline slows the yearlong price climb for fuels and breaks an eleven-week streak of gains in oil prices, a commodity whose value has been swayed by geopolitical developments, including the broader impact of the Ukraine conflict. In response to rising costs for citizens, the government has recently approved a 20-cent-per-liter bonus for all consumers, with 15 cents covered by the state and at least 5 cents borne by oil companies. This measure aims to soften the impact of price increases on household budgets and keep fuel more affordable for drivers.
Retail costs in context and long-term trends
At current rates, filling half a tank translates to about 55 liters of fuel. For gasoline, that would cost roughly 87 euros, while diesel would run around 89 euros. In practical terms, this means paying approximately 22 euros more for gasoline and about 30 euros more for diesel than at the start of 2021. The climb in prices since January 2021 also reflects a broader shift, with gasoline up by about 36% and diesel by roughly 54% over the same period. Compared with the same week in 2021, gasoline is roughly 21% more expensive, and diesel around 37% higher. When looking at 2020 as a baseline, gasoline shows a 42% increase and diesel about 56% higher, illustrating a persistent upward trajectory in fuel costs over the past few years.
Meanwhile, regional comparisons show Spain remaining below the European average for both fuels. Current Spanish prices are under the EU average of 1.826 euros per liter for gasoline and 1.807 euros for diesel, according to European statistics. This contextual view helps explain how Spain’s pricing aligns with broader European dynamics while local policy measures aim to cushion domestic consumers from sudden shifts in the energy market.