Fuel prices in Belgium climb, with diesel at record level
Fuel prices in Belgium rose further on Sunday, with diesel reaching a new record high. The maximum price for diesel increased by 18 cents per litre to 2.289 euros per litre, the highest level recorded since the Energia began compiling price data in 2008.
Petrol and heating oil also became more expensive. The maximum price for 95 octane petrol rose by 2.7 cents to 1.863 euros per litre, its highest level since October 2023. Meanwhile, heating oil increased by 2.5 cents per litre. For orders of at least 2,000 litres, the maximum price reached 1.3908 euros per litre, the highest since November 2022.
The increases follow a sharp rise in oil prices on international markets in recent weeks, driven by the conflict in the Middle East. The FPS Economy said the new maximum prices are the result of "the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East and the impact of events on the prices of petroleum products".
Fuel tourism
Fuel prices have been kept relatively low in Belgium, as it remains one of the few European countries, alongside Luxembourg, to apply price caps to petroleum products. A correction mechanism is in place to smooth sudden market fluctuations and limit sharp increases.
These lower prices have led to a surge in cross-border refuelling. Petrol stations in the Netherlands have reported turnover declines of between 10 and 20 per cent in recent weeks. At the same time, long queues have formed at Belgian petrol stations, particularly due to trucks leaving motorways in search of cheaper fuel.
Still, the government is holding off on measures to bring down energy prices. It is continuing to monitor the situation while awaiting proposals from the European Commission, sources told Belga following a meeting on Friday. Prime minister Bart De Wever said earlier this week that he wants to avoid taking measures in a panic that would leave a hole in the country's budget.
© BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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