Petrol prices in the Netherlands have dipped below €2.50 per litre for the first time since early July, as reported by UnitedConsumers. This decrease provides some respite to motorists who have been facing elevated fuel costs for several weeks. On Thursday, the recommended price for regular Euro95 petrol fell to €2.485 per litre, marking a drop of more than two cents from the previous day. This is a significant decrease from the record high of €2.732 per litre recorded on October 10.
In tandem with petrol, diesel prices have also seen a reduction, now standing at €2.647 per litre. This figure is approximately 18 cents lower than the peak price of €2.824 per litre reached in mid-September. Premium Euro98 petrol experienced an even more substantial decline, decreasing by 25 cents in less than a month to €2.698 per litre.
Despite these reductions, fuel prices in the Netherlands remain considerably higher than in neighboring countries. This discrepancy is largely attributed to the country’s high fuel taxes, among the highest in Europe, prompting many Dutch motorists to seek cheaper fuel options across the border in Belgium.
The drop in fuel prices coincides with a weakening of international oil prices, driven by increasing expectations of a diplomatic resolution to the Middle East conflict, which previously exerted upward pressure on energy costs. Prior to the onset of the conflict in late February, the recommended prices were €2.285 per litre for Euro95 petrol and €2.084 per litre for diesel. Although there has been some relief, current prices remain elevated compared to pre-conflict levels.