Why did fuel prices increase on July 1, 2026?

The increase in fuel prices starting July 1, 2026, was caused by two major factors acting simultaneously. Firstly, the validity of Government Emergency Ordinance 19/2026 expired, which had capped the commercial margin of sellers, a measure that was active between April 1 and June 30, 2026. This cap contributed to maintaining more stable prices during that period, and once it ceased, prices were freed from this constraint.

Secondly, with the beginning of July, there was a return to the full excise tax rates for fuels. This fiscal adjustment, part of the schedule set by the authorities, added additional pressure on the final price. The combined effect of these two changes led to a visible increase, felt by drivers at every refueling. For example, the average price of diesel reached 10.90 lei/L, and that of 95 octane gasoline reached 10.10 lei/L, according to PretCarburant.ro data.

Government Emergency Ordinance 19/2026 represented a temporary state intervention in the fuel market, aiming to limit price increases by capping the commercial margin applied by distributors. This measure was in effect for a period of three months, specifically between April 1 and June 30, 2026. During its application, oil companies and gas stations had restrictions on the profit margin they could apply to the purchase price of fuel.

The main goal of GEO 19/2026 was to protect consumers from excessive price fluctuations, ensuring some stability in a volatile economic context. Although it did not completely block prices, it tempered increases, offering a respite to drivers. Once this ordinance expired, the market returned to a regime of complete liberalization of the commercial margin, contributing to the upward price adjustment we see today. For more details on the legislative evolution, you can also consult /oug-19-tracker.

The decision not to extend the capping of fuel prices, a measure active through OUG 19/2026, resulted from a complex and ultimately blocked legislative process. Although there was a draft to extend this ordinance until November 30, 2026, it failed to pass the necessary stages in Parliament. Specifically, the draft was blocked in the budget-finance committee of the Chamber of Deputies, where it did not receive the favorable opinion or political support needed to proceed.

The legislative deadlock meant that, as of July 1, 2026, the capping of the commercial margin ceased to produce effects, according to the original deadline of OUG 19/2026. Without an extension, the market was left to adjust its prices based on purchase costs and the commercial margins desired by operators, contributing, alongside excise duties, to the increases we have observed. In practice, the absence of a legal framework to continue the capping allowed prices to more directly reflect market conditions and the commercial strategies of distributors.

The return to full excise duties was the second pillar of the price increases from July 1, 2026, adding to the effect of the expiry of the commercial margin capping. Excise duties are indirect taxes applied by the state to certain products, including fuels, and represent a significant portion of the final price we pay at the pump. Throughout the year, excise duty rates can be adjusted according to current legislation, and for the month of July, a return to the maximum level was foreseen.

This increase in excise duties translates directly into an additional cost per liter for each type of fuel. According to press estimates, this component contributed approximately 0.20 lei/L to the price of gasoline and 0.30-0.50 lei/L to the price of diesel. Thus, even in the absence of the capping expiry, the return to full excise duties would have led to a price increase, but in combination with the other factor, the impact was much more pronounced, bringing the average price of diesel to 10.90 lei/L and of 95 gasoline to 10.10 lei/L.

After the price increases recorded on July 1, 2026, the cost of a 50-liter tank of fuel has increased considerably for most drivers. According to PretCarburant.ro data, for a 50-liter tank of 95 gasoline, a driver now pays an average of 505 lei. Before the price increases, we estimate the average price was around 9.90 lei/L, which would have meant a cost of approximately 495 lei for the same tank.

In the case of diesel, the impact is even more pronounced. A 50-liter tank of diesel now costs, on average, 545 lei. Given the estimated increases of 0.30-0.50 lei/L, a similar tank would have cost around 525 lei before July 1 (calculated at an increase of 0.40 lei/L). This means that, on average, drivers now pay about 10 lei more for a tank of gasoline and about 20 lei more for a tank of diesel, a difference that affects the personal budget, especially for those who travel long distances.

Even in the context of these general price increases, fuel prices can vary significantly from one station to another, depending on the brand, location, and commercial policy of each operator. We constantly monitor prices across the country, having 1711 physical stations in our catalog, for 1373 of which we have real-time valid prices.

The differences can be considerable, which underscores the importance of checking prices before refueling. For example, for 95 gasoline, we have observed a spread (difference) of up to 0.27 lei/L between the minimum and maximum price nationwide. This means that for a 50-liter tank, you can save over 13 lei just by choosing the right station. This variation is constant and deserves drivers' attention, especially during periods of price increases.

In the face of rising gasoline and diesel prices, many drivers are looking for more economical alternatives to reduce their transportation costs. The most accessible and popular option in Romania remains Autogas (LPG). The average price of Autogas is 4.71 lei/L, a significant difference compared to 95 gasoline, which has an average price of 10.10 lei/L.

This difference translates into substantial savings per liter: LPG is 5.39 lei/L cheaper than gasoline. Although LPG consumption may be slightly higher, the price advantage often compensates, making it an attractive solution, especially for those who drive many kilometers. The investment in an LPG system can be amortized relatively quickly, especially in periods when the price difference compared to conventional fuels is so large.

To ensure you always find the most advantageous fuel prices, especially in the context of recent price increases, the PretCarburant.ro platform is available with real-time updated information. We collect and display prices from an impressive number of stations across the country, with over 5579 valid prices available at any given time.

Using our interactive map or the list of minimum prices, you can quickly compare offers and choose the station with the lowest costs in your area. It is an essential tool for managing your fuel budget and minimizing the impact of these price hikes. We encourage you to check our platform regularly for the freshest data and to make informed decisions before each refueling.