The recommended price of a litre of diesel rose above that of petrol on Friday, according to fuel price data tracked by UnitedConsumers. Diesel prices have been climbing sharply for some time due to the war in the Middle East.
On Friday, the average price of diesel increased by 3 cents to 2.637 euros per litre. The recommended price for a litre of Euro95 petrol rose by 1 cent to 2.634 euros. These recommended prices are typical only on the motorway sections.
Imports
Diesel has been becoming more expensive faster than petrol, partly because Europe has increased diesel imports from the Middle East. Instability in the region therefore has a stronger impact on diesel prices. A Russian ban on diesel exports, aimed at preventing domestic shortages, also contributes to the rise.
Record
The recommended diesel price is still below the record set in April, when it reached 2.819 euros per litre. Petrol prices, however, are nearing their highest level ever. The record for a litre of petrol was set in May at 2.646 euros.
Oil prices fell slightly again on Friday, after a sharp rise the previous day driven by continued unrest in the Middle East. A barrel of US oil dropped 2.6 percent to $89.79, while Brent crude fell 3 percent to $97.73. Changes in oil prices typically reach the pump with a delay.
@anp | NEWSBRAINPORT
