Petrol prices in the Netherlands have dipped below €2.50 per litre for the first time since July, providing some relief to drivers amid a period of elevated fuel costs. According to data from UnitedConsumers, the recommended price for regular Euro95 petrol fell to €2.485 per litre on Thursday, marking a drop of more than two cents from the previous day. This decline follows a record high of €2.732 per litre on October 10.
Diesel prices have also seen a reduction, now standing at €2.647 per litre, which is approximately 18 cents lower than the peak of €2.824 recorded in mid-September. Premium Euro98 petrol has experienced the most significant decrease, with prices falling by 25 cents in less than a month to €2.698 per litre.
Despite these decreases, fuel prices in the Netherlands remain substantially higher than in neighboring countries, largely due to high fuel taxes, which are among the steepest in Europe. This situation has led many Dutch motorists to cross into Belgium to purchase cheaper fuel.
The reduction in fuel prices is attributed to a weakening of international oil prices, driven by growing expectations of a diplomatic resolution to the Middle East conflict. This conflict had previously contributed to the increase in energy costs. Prior to the conflict’s onset in late February, the recommended prices were €2.285 per litre for Euro95 petrol and €2.084 per litre for diesel. Although current prices have eased from their peaks, they remain above the pre-conflict levels.