Petrol station operators say motorists are reacting strongly to the sharp rise in petrol and diesel prices. Shortly after the war in the Middle East began last week, many drivers rushed to fill up their cars while prices were still lower. Industry body Drive expects renewed pressure at pumps in the coming days, as those tanks are now likely to be empty.
Station operators are also seeing customers arrive with jerrycans to stock up on fuel. “You really do see hoarding happening. I understand it, but a few days later you still have to buy fuel again,” said Drive chair Martin van Eijk. He expects this behaviour to continue as prices keep rising.
Trade organisation NOVE, which represents independent petrol stations, has also received reports of people filling jerrycans. “We strongly advise against this. It is extremely dangerous,” said director Erik de Vries. He warned of the risk of major fires if an accident occurs. De Vries added that hoarding is unnecessary, as fuel supplies are sufficient, and offers little financial benefit. “With a 10-litre jerrycan, you might save about one euro. That is simply not worth it.” He said it is difficult to intervene, as stations do not always have a clear view of what customers are doing, so the organisation focuses on general advice.
In border regions, station operators clearly see drivers choosing to refuel abroad. “At the start of last week, these stations were a bit busier, but over the weekend people still crossed the border to fill up,” Van Eijk said.
Queues formed at petrol stations in parts of the country over the weekend. Van Eijk said waiting times of ten to fifteen minutes were possible. “But it is still manageable. I have not seen queues backing up onto the road.”
The industry body expects oil prices to continue rising due to ongoing unrest. Consumer organisation UnitedConsumers expects the recommended diesel price to climb above 2.50 euros per litre on Tuesday. That would further exceed the recently broken record. Diesel cost 2.09 euros per litre just over a week ago, before the war in the Middle East began. The price of Euro95 petrol has risen from 2.28 euros to 2.39 euros per litre. These recommended prices usually apply only at motorway petrol stations.
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