We are in the middle of \u00a0August\u00a0, and the asphalt burns, not just from the relentless \u00a0sun\u00a0. 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 \u00a0energy volatility\u00a0, placing the cost of refueling back in the spotlight, with fluctuations influenced by both global markets and individual gas stations.<\/p>\n
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A fall that barely feels.<\/strong> According to the latest data from the European Union Petroleum Bulletin<\/a>, the average price in Spain is \u00a0\u20ac1.483\u00a0 per liter for 95 octane gasoline and \u00a0\u20ac1.424\u00a0 for diesel. Recent declines, however, are minimal: just \u00a00.2 cents\u00a0 less for gasoline and \u00a00.8 cents\u00a0 for diesel compared to the previous week. In effect, these changes are nearly imperceptible for most consumers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In comparison to a year ago, savings are more pronounced\u2014a \u00a07.3% drop\u00a0 in gasoline and a \u00a02.8% reduction\u00a0 for diesel. However, filling an average 55-liter tank still costs approximately \u00a0\u20ac81\u00a0 for gasoline and \u00a0\u20ac78\u00a0 for diesel. A study by Facua highlighted that the final cost significantly varies depending on the chosen gas station: filling up on diesel in \u00a0Murcia\u00a0 can be as much as \u00a0\u20ac0.79\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Factors that press up.<\/strong> On the international front, the price of \u00a0Brent crude\u00a0\u2014a key benchmark in Europe\u2014hovers around \u00a0$67.27\u00a0 per barrel. OPEC+ has announced an increase in output by \u00a0547,000 barrels per day\u00a0 starting September; however, such changes typically take time to reflect on retailers\u2019 prices.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Within Spain, \u00a0electricity\u00a0 prices continue to be a significant driver of inflation. The National Institute of Statistics (\u00a0INE\u00a0) has confirmed that the \u00a0Consumer Price Index (CPI)\u00a0 rose to \u00a02.7%\u00a0, its highest level since February, largely due to an increase of \u00a017.3%\u00a0 in energy prices and, to a lesser degree, in fuels. Notably, \u00a0transportation costs\u00a0, which encapsulate fuels, airfares, and combined passenger transport, have increased by \u00a00.2%\u00a0. Facua warns that disparities in fuel prices are attributable not to quality but to competition, location, and commercial margins.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The risk of calm will last little.<\/strong> According to the Savings Banks Foundation (\u00a0Funcas\u00a0), inflation rates are projected to rise to \u00a03%\u00a0 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 \u00a0employment\u00a0 and \u00a0salary increases\u00a0 mitigating the effects, the average driver experiences rising costs at the pump, leaving them to pay the same\u2014if not more\u2014for each kilometer driven.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Beyond refueling.<\/strong> 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<\/a> 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 \u00a0\u20ac0.14\u00a0 per liter for gasoline and \u00a0\u20ac0.13\u00a0 for diesel when compared to the EU average. The disparity becomes even starker against the \u00a0Eurozone\u00a0, reaching up to \u00a0\u20ac0.20\u00a0.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Glimpsing the rebound.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n