Bulgaria experienced the highest annual increase in fuel prices in the European Union for September 2026, with a significant 42.2% rise in costs for fuels and lubricants used in personal transport compared to the previous year. This sharp increase positions Bulgaria ahead of Estonia and Lithuania, which saw fuel prices rise by 40.6% and 40.2%, respectively.
The trend across the EU showed a considerable year-on-year increase in fuel prices, averaging 31.4% in September. This marks a substantial acceleration from the 16.9% increase in July and the 23.8% rise in August. Within this context, Hungary recorded the smallest annual increase at 6.9%, while Ireland and Sweden saw increases of 17.7% and 19.9%, respectively.
On a monthly basis, EU fuel prices also climbed, with diesel and petrol prices rising by 5.9% and 6.7% from August to September. Sweden led with the highest monthly increases, as diesel surged by 12.8% and petrol by 13.8%.
In Bulgaria, the escalating trend in fuel costs has been ongoing since February 2026. The price of A95 petrol saw a notable rise from €1.26 per litre on February 27 to €1.65 by October 21. Similarly, diesel prices increased from €1.29 to €1.91 per litre during the same period.
This spike in fuel costs is part of a broader pattern affecting the EU, with varying impacts on different member states. The ongoing situation underscores the volatility and economic pressures within the energy sector, impacting consumers and businesses alike across the region.