Portugal Diesel Breaks €2 Per Litre for the First Time — A New All-Time Record

Filling up the car in Portugal got sharply more expensive on Monday, with diesel breaking through the two-euro-per-litre barrier at all three major fuel chains for the first time in the country's history.

For a full breakdown of fuel costs, motorway tolls, and other driving expenses, see our complete guide to driving in Portugal.

According to estimates from the National Association of Fuel Retailers (ANAREC), diesel rose by nine cents per litre and petrol by four cents this week — increases that already factor in the government's latest ISP tax discount. The new prices, confirmed by the Mais Gasolina platform, show simple diesel now selling at €2.039 per litre at Repsol, €2.049 at Galp, and €2.069 at BP. Unleaded 95 petrol ranges from €2.239 at Repsol to €2.279 at BP.

A Record That Surpasses the 2022 Energy Crisis

The previous all-time high for diesel in Portugal dated back to June 2022, when the global energy market was reeling from the early months of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. That threshold has now been definitively surpassed, with diesel — the most widely used fuel among Portuguese families and commercial fleets — crossing into uncharted territory.

The damage has accumulated rapidly. Data from the Energy Services Regulatory Authority (ERSE) shows that since 8 March alone, diesel has climbed approximately 44 cents per litre, while petrol 95 has risen around 20 cents per litre. For a typical 50-litre tank of diesel, that translates into an extra €22 per fill compared with just four weeks ago.

Middle East Conflict Drives the Surge

The price spike is directly linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil passes daily. Brent crude has remained above $110 per barrel since mid-March, and supply disruption fears continue to push futures higher.

The European Commission issued a letter to member states this week warning of a "potential prolonged disruption" to international energy trade. Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen urged governments to promote demand-reduction measures, particularly in the transport sector, and to refrain from policies that could further increase fuel consumption.

"The security of supply of the European Union remains guaranteed, but we must be prepared for a potential prolonged disruption of international energy trade. That is why we need to act now and act together, as a true Union," Jørgensen wrote.

Trucking Industry Warns of Crisis

The Portuguese National Association of Public Road Carriers (ANTRAM) said its members are at a "critical point" and expressed confidence that the government is aware of the severity of the situation. The association has called for emergency measures similar to those adopted during the 2022 energy crisis, when the government temporarily suspended part of the fuel tax to contain prices.

What Drivers Can Do

Portugal's fuel market is liberalised, meaning individual stations set their own prices. Drivers are advised to compare prices across chains before filling up — the difference between the cheapest and most expensive options can exceed three cents per litre for diesel and four cents for petrol. Hypermarket fuel stations, such as those operated by Pingo Doce and Continente, often undercut the major brands by a further two to three cents.

With no sign of the Middle East crisis abating and EU-wide calls for restraint in fuel consumption, Portuguese households and businesses face the prospect of sustained high prices well into the spring.

Related: Car insurance premiums in Portugal surged 11.4% — young drivers and rural areas are hit hardest