Balearic farmers face €1.7m rise in diesel costs

Farmers across the Balearic Islands are facing €1.73 million more in agricultural diesel costs than a year ago. The increase hits the profitability of farms directly, the farming association Asaja Baleares said in Palma, Mallorca, on 18 September. The group is joining nationwide agricultural mobilisations over fuel prices.

3.4 million litres a year

Around 170,000 hectares are prepared across the islands each year, according to Asaja Baleares. At an estimated average use of 20 litres of agricultural diesel per hectare, that amounts to roughly 3.4 million litres annually.

Asaja puts the 2026 reference price at €1.46 per litre, up from €0.95 a year earlier. That is an increase of €0.51 per litre, or nearly 54%.

Tight margins add to pressure

Many farms are already operating with very tight or negative margins, Asaja said. Higher diesel bills come alongside rising fertiliser costs and structural extra costs linked to the islands’ location.

Asaja Baleares is backing the demands of Asaja, COAG and UPA. The three organisations have announced mobilisations across Spain as fuel prices climb.

Topics: Agriculture · Economy · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com