Spain diesel prices jump 34.4% despite relief

Diesel prices at Spain’s pumps are up 34.4% since 28 February, reaching an average of €1.931 a litre on 28 September despite government relief. Petrol has risen 30.7% over the same period, to €1.935 a litre. The consumer group Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios (OCU) released the figures on 1 October, tracing the increases back to the start of the Iran war.

Relief has not stopped the rise

At the end of February, diesel averaged €1.437 a litre and petrol €1.48. The OCU says government measures have taken about 24 cents off the price per litre, with a further reduction of nearly six cents for petrol. It says those steps have helped cushion the immediate impact, but considers a return to last year’s prices unlikely.

What the OCU wants next

The group is calling for direct help for households based on income and how much of their budget goes on fuel. It also wants stronger public transport, more shared travel and more ultra-fast charging points for electric vehicles.

The OCU wants close checks on pump prices so falls in fuel prices feed through as quickly as rises. Comparing petrol stations could also make a difference: in some areas, it estimates the gap between the cheapest and most expensive could amount to €300 a year.

Topics: Economy

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com