{
  "id": 10487145,
  "title": "Diesel prices are surging putting further pressure on Europe",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/diesel-prices-are-surging-putting-further-pressure-on-europe-10487145",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-28T10:35:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "DW Business",
    "slug": "dw-business",
    "url": "https://www.dw.com/en/diesel-prices-are-surging-putting-further-pressure-on-europe/a-79390992?maca=en-rss-en-bus-2091-rdf"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Diesel prices are surging, affecting not only vehicle owners but also the broader economy in Europe. Unlike gasoline, which is primarily used for consumer purposes like cars, diesel powers essential sectors such as freight transport, farming equipment, construction, and industry. Consequently, diesel shortages or price spikes can have a more significant economic impact than higher gasoline prices, as they increase the cost of moving goods and operating heavy machinery. This, in turn, will be passed on to consumers, contributing to a rising cost-of-living crisis and inflation.\n\nThe United States and China, the world's largest diesel producers, are key players in this scenario. However, China primarily uses its diesel domestically, leaving the US as the world's biggest diesel exporter. Despite this, the average price of a gallon of diesel in the US is now $6.52 (€5.73), a substantial increase from $3.74 per gallon a year ago and $3.53 a gallon two years ago. President Trump has called on Ukraine's president to stop targeting oil refineries in Russia, claiming they are causing a diesel shortage. Russia, another major diesel supplier, has been attacked by Ukrainian forces multiple times since 2022, reducing its diesel production by nearly 30% from previous levels. In response, Russia has restricted diesel exports to safeguard domestic supplies.\n\nSome US officials are considering a diesel export ban ahead of the November midterm elections, aiming to lower domestic prices. However, energy lobby groups oppose this plan, and industry experts doubt it would effectively reduce prices or could backfire by causing US refiners to reduce production or push up prices.\n\nFor Europe, more expensive diesel could have serious consequences. About 38% of passenger cars in the EU are diesel, and road transport, including freight, accounts for 77% of total diesel and gas oil consumption. This reliance on diesel-powered transport leaves drivers and businesses highly vulnerable to oil and fuel price shocks. Since the start of the war in Iran, EU drivers have paid an extra €30 for a 50-liter tank of diesel on average, while a German long-haul truck driver faces an additional €236 weekly cost. These increased fuel expenses add up to €270 million daily, with €203 million attributed to diesel.\n\nThe EU economy has also seen additional costs of €40 billion from road diesel since the beginning of the war. In the short term, Russia's crude oil processing volumes are the most sensitive factor affecting diesel prices, with each Ukrainian strike reflected in diesel prices within days, unlike Hormuz, which has maintained a relatively stable flow rate for months. The bottleneck now lies in refinery capacity, as prolonged fighting in Ukraine and the Hormuz conflict have knocked out working refining capacity faster than it can be replaced. The Strait of Hormuz poses the biggest long-term risk for diesel prices in Europe, as prolonged fighting in the Middle East or Russia could exacerbate the situation. US export restrictions could further intensify the problem, potentially leading to even higher diesel prices.",
  "summary": "Trucks, farms and industry are powered with diesel. Now prices are soaring due to refinery disruptions, supply shortages and geopolitical tensions. A potential US export ban could make Europe's diesel crunch even worse.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "DW News",
        "title": "Diesel prices are surging. Ukraine is only part of the story",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/diesel-prices-are-surging-ukraine-is-only-part-of-the-story",
        "published": "2026-09-28T10:35:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}