Prisøkning «uten sidestykke» sender nordmenn over grensen

On Thursday, diesel prices in Norway surpassed 30 Norwegian kroner per liter at more than 1,100 gas stations, with over 40 stations reaching 31 kroner. This was not a localized price spike, but a widespread price surge without any exceptions, according to Syver Orhagen, the daily manager of DrivstoffAppen. By Friday, prices above 30 kroner were recorded at more than 600 stations.

The level remains high, but prices began to decline throughout the day, Orhagen added. While the average diesel price held steady, the average price increased over the past few days. On Wednesday, a liter of diesel cost 27.26 kroner, rising to 28.97 kroner on Thursday and averaging 28.97 kroner on Friday. In comparison, Sweden currently has significantly cheaper fuel prices, as it continues to have lower taxes compared to Norway.

Sweden's fuel prices are now among the lowest in Europe, according to a Riksförbundet MS overview, a Swedish organization for motorists. The surge was observed at the Nordby Shoppingcenter, just across the Norwegian border from Svinesund. The center handles a large volume of traffic, with queues stretching over the parking lot. Center manager Ståle Løvheim reported seeing queues of over a hundred cars, welcoming the organized traffic management measures.

This scenario highlights the unique aspect of border trade. Myndighetene (authorities) are focusing on various aspects of taxation, whether it's alcohol or fuel, as is happening now. The disparity in fuel prices is not new, but the significant differences between stations are noteworthy. The range between the cheapest and most expensive stations varies around 6 kroner per liter, from approximately 25 to 31 kroner, Orhagen explained.

On Thursday, the difference was even higher, reaching nearly 7.5 kroner per liter. Orhagen noted that the most expensive stations were initially the cheapest ones. On Thursday, prices rose across the country. Stations that had not yet set their prices were among the cheaper ones. Median prices in the middle of the country show smaller differences, but they are still significant.

As of Friday afternoon, the cheapest prices were in Tromsø and Bergen, with median diesel prices around 28 kroner. Stavanger and Kristiansand topped the list with prices above 30 kroner, with median diesel prices exceeding 30 kroner in Oslo and Kristiansand. Orhagen advises checking fuel prices before filling up, as prices fluctuate throughout the week.

Many are considering filling up at a cheaper station instead of making multiple small trips, potentially saving hundreds of kroner per tank.