Why did fuel prices increase from July 1, 2026?

The rise in fuel prices from 1 July 2026 was caused by two main factors acting simultaneously. On one hand, Emergency Ordinance 19/2026, which capped the commercial margin of fuel distributors, expired, and the bill to extend this measure was blocked in Parliament. On the other hand, there was a return to the full excise duty rates on fuels, following a period during which they had been reduced.

The combination of these decisions led to an immediate increase in pump prices. For example, the average price for 95 petrol is now 8.66 lei per litre, and for diesel the average stands at 9.24 lei per litre, according to PretCarburant.ro monitoring data. Consumers thus felt the direct impact of this double adjustment, which resulted in higher costs for every full tank.

The cap on commercial fuel markups was a government measure introduced through OUG 19/2026, valid for the period 1 April – 30 June 2026. Through this ordinance, the state limited the profit margin that oil companies could apply to the purchase price of fuels. The goal was to curb excessive price increases and protect consumers from international market fluctuations.

During the three months it was in force, this cap contributed to a degree of stability in pump prices. However, once its application ended on 30 June, distributors were free to set their commercial markups again without restrictions, a factor that contributed to the price increases recorded from 1 July. We monitored all 1390 stations across the country and immediately observed the impact of the removal of this measure.

The bill proposing the extension of the commercial margin cap on fuels until 30 November 2026 was blocked in the budget-finance committee of the Chamber of Deputies. This political decision had a direct and immediate impact on pump prices, as it eliminated a control mechanism that kept prices below a certain limit.

Without an extension, the fuel market returned to a fully liberalised regime with regard to commercial margins. In practice, distributors can now set their markup based on their own business strategy, without state intervention. This situation has contributed to the price increases we are now seeing across the more than 1390 stations monitored by PretCarburant.ro.

The return to full excise duties represents a significant fiscal component in the final price structure of fuels. Excise duties are taxes levied by the state on certain products, and in the case of fuels, they account for a considerable portion of the price we pay at the pump. When the excise duty rate is increased, even by a few bani, the impact is felt immediately in the price per litre.

This excise duty increase came on top of the removal of the commercial markup cap, creating a double pressure on prices. In practice, the state collects more for every litre of fuel sold, which translates directly into higher costs for drivers. For example, the difference of 4.11 lei/L between petrol and autogas LPG, although significant, is also influenced by the way excise duties are structured for each fuel type.

Press estimates indicate a diesel price increase of approximately 0.30 – 0.50 lei per litre, while petrol has risen by around 0.20 lei per litre. These increases translate into considerable additional costs for a 50-litre fill-up, a quantity commonly found in most car fuel tanks.

Concretely, for a 50-litre fill-up of petrol, at a current average price of 8.66 lei/L, the cost would have been 433 lei before the price rise. After the estimated increase of 0.20 lei/L, a similar fill-up would cost approximately 443 lei, a difference of 10 lei. In the case of diesel, where a 50-litre fill-up cost, on average, 462 lei (at 9.24 lei/L), a price rise of 0.40 lei/L (the average of estimates) would add around 20 lei to the total cost, bringing it to approximately 482 lei. Drivers are therefore now facing additional expenses of 10 to 25 lei for each full tank.

According to our latest data, after the price increases that came into effect on 1 July 2026, the national average price for a liter of 95 petrol is 8.66 lei. The cheapest liter of petrol can be found at 8.39 lei, while the maximum price reaches 9.25 lei at certain stations. This variation of 0.86 lei/L between fuel stations shows the importance of comparing prices.

As for diesel, the national average price has reached 9.24 lei per liter. Similar to petrol, there is a fluctuation, with minimum prices of 8.84 lei and maximum prices of 9.59 lei. These figures reflect the combined impact of the expiry of the commercial markup cap and the return to full excise duties, putting significant pressure on drivers' budgets.

Yes, price differences between fuel stations can be quite significant and are worth paying attention to. We have observed that for 95 petrol, the minimum recorded price is 8.39 lei/L, while the maximum price reaches 9.25 lei/L, which means a spread of 0.86 lei/L between stations. This means that with a 50-litre full tank, a driver can save up to 43 lei simply by choosing the right station.

The situation is similar for diesel, where prices range from 8.84 lei/L to 9.59 lei/L. These differences highlight the importance of checking prices before refuelling, especially in the context of recent price increases. The continuous monitoring of 1390 stations by PretCarburant.ro helps us provide an up-to-date picture of the market, allowing drivers to make informed choices.

Faced with rising petrol and diesel prices, many drivers are looking for more economical alternatives. One of the most popular options remains autogas (LPG). The average price for autogas is 4.55 lei per litre, making it considerably cheaper than petrol or diesel.

The price difference between petrol and LPG is approximately 4.11 lei per litre in favour of LPG. This substantial saving can justify the investment in an LPG conversion kit, especially for drivers who cover long distances. Although the installation cost is an upfront expense, the savings at the pump can quickly recoup this amount. It is a long-term solution for mitigating the impact of fuel price increases.

To find the best fuel prices and save on every fill-up, the PretCarburant.ro platform remains the most useful resource. We monitor in real time the prices from over 1390 fuelling stations across the country, providing a clear picture of average, minimum, and maximum costs for petrol, diesel, and autogas (LPG).

You can access our interactive map or the minimum prices list to quickly identify the stations with the most advantageous offers in your area. With average prices of 8.66 lei/L for petrol and 9.24 lei/L for diesel, every saving counts, and checking prices before setting off is a smart strategy for managing your transport budget.