We are in the middle of August , and the asphalt burns, not just from the relentless sun . The massive holiday displacements reach their peak, and thousands of drivers anxiously glance at the fuel gauge before embarking on their journeys. This summer is characterized by energy volatility , placing the cost of refueling back in the spotlight, with fluctuations influenced by both global markets and individual gas stations.
A fall that barely feels. According to the latest data from the European Union Petroleum Bulletin, the average price in Spain is €1.483 per liter for 95 octane gasoline and €1.424 for diesel. Recent declines, however, are minimal: just 0.2 cents less for gasoline and 0.8 cents for diesel compared to the previous week. In effect, these changes are nearly imperceptible for most consumers.
In comparison to a year ago, savings are more pronounced—a 7.3% drop in gasoline and a 2.8% reduction for diesel. However, filling an average 55-liter tank still costs approximately €81 for gasoline and €78 for diesel. A study by Facua highlighted that the final cost significantly varies depending on the chosen gas station: filling up on diesel in Murcia can be as much as €0.79 more per liter at the most expensive stations compared to the cheapest ones, showcasing that the fuel price in Spain is as much about location as it is about the international market.
Factors that press up. On the international front, the price of Brent crude —a key benchmark in Europe—hovers around $67.27 per barrel. OPEC+ has announced an increase in output by 547,000 barrels per day starting September; however, such changes typically take time to reflect on retailers’ prices.
Within Spain, electricity prices continue to be a significant driver of inflation. The National Institute of Statistics ( INE ) has confirmed that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 2.7% , its highest level since February, largely due to an increase of 17.3% in energy prices and, to a lesser degree, in fuels. Notably, transportation costs , which encapsulate fuels, airfares, and combined passenger transport, have increased by 0.2% . Facua warns that disparities in fuel prices are attributable not to quality but to competition, location, and commercial margins.
The risk of calm will last little. According to the Savings Banks Foundation ( Funcas ), inflation rates are projected to rise to 3% in September. If this prediction holds, it could lead to increased pressures on both gasoline and diesel prices, especially in a context where energy and food costs remain elevated after the expiration of VAT reductions. Although the Ministry of Economy asserts that Spain is enjoying “strong economic dynamics” with employment and salary increases mitigating the effects, the average driver experiences rising costs at the pump, leaving them to pay the same—if not more—for each kilometer driven.
Beyond refueling. In this critical environment, it becomes essential for drivers to strategically choose where to refuel to maximize savings. Tools such as the Facua search engine allow users to find the most economical stations within their vicinity. Interestingly, fuel prices in Spain remain comparatively cheaper than in large parts of Europe, with an average difference of about €0.14 per liter for gasoline and €0.13 for diesel when compared to the EU average. The disparity becomes even starker against the Eurozone , reaching up to €0.20 .
Glimpsing the rebound. The slight price fall observed in August doesn’t alter the bigger picture: fuel prices remain high, and the forces pushing them upward are still present. The brief relief may merely be a prelude to further increases down the line. Therefore, both timing and choice of station are paramount factors for drivers looking to save on fuel expenses.
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