Fuel prices on the rise
For the time being, 2024 is a relatively expensive year at the pump. Fuel prices have already risen by about 10 cents this year.
Prices at the pump have risen rapidly since the beginning of this year. The average national recommended price for petrol (E10) is now €2.17 and that for diesel is almost €2. The price of both fuels has risen by more than 10 cents since the beginning of this year, according to data from UnitedConsumers.
According to director Paul van Selms, tensions in the world play a role in the price increases. “Even though there are no major spikes in the oil price, oil from Russia comes via a detour or oil has to come from elsewhere. That makes it more expensive.” Just after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the effect on the oil price and therefore the prices at the pump was much greater. “That seemed to have faded away, but that is not realistic,” says Van Selms NU.nl. Moreover, tensions in the Middle East have increased.
According to UnitedConsumers, the recommended retail price is hardly charged anywhere. “The oil companies use this at a high level, so that gas station owners can give a big discount.” However, the recommended retail price is still the reference point. “If the oil price goes up, the recommended retail price will follow and then the price at the pump.” Fuel prices at the pump could have been even higher if the government had completely reversed the 2022 excise duty cut. That was initially the plan, but it was canceled last fall.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl