Fuel prices at Dutch filling stations rose again on Wednesday after becoming slightly cheaper last week. The increase has widened the price gap between the Netherlands and Belgium.
According to consumer platform UnitedConsumers, the recommended price of a litre of Euro95 petrol rose to €2.56 on Wednesday, almost 1.5 cents higher than the previous day. A litre of diesel increased by 2.5 cents to €2.594.
Motorists who fill up in Belgium, where petrol is around 70 cents per litre cheaper, can save more than €40 on a full 60-litre tank. The significant difference in fuel prices has led many Dutch drivers to cross the border to refuel in Belgium for years.
Belgium has a maximum fuel price for petrol, while the Netherlands does not. In addition, fuel excise duties in the Netherlands are higher than in any other European country.
The latest increase in fuel prices is linked to renewed tensions in the Middle East, which have pushed up the price of crude oil.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
