Petrol price nears record and remains close to diesel
The recommended price for Euro95 rose further on Friday, but current averages differ by method of measurement.
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The Dutch recommended price for petrol was almost at its highest level ever on Friday and came close to that of diesel. New reports said on Saturday that a record had been reached, but public price sources use different methods of measurement, making it unclear which figure applies to Saturday.
According to figures from consumer platform UnitedConsumers, cited by AutoWeek, the recommended price for Euro95 rose to 2.728 euros per litre on Friday. The previous record stood at 2.730 euros, according to that series. Diesel reached 2.732 euros per litre on Friday and was therefore, using the same method of measurement, slightly more expensive than petrol.
The price movement is not the same as what every motorist pays at every petrol station. UnitedConsumers tracks the recommended prices of major oil companies, which apply mainly at more expensive petrol stations. Local price differences, discounts and the distance from the motorway can significantly change the amount paid at the pump.
The ANWB displays a different average on its current fuel page: Euro95 is listed at 2.43 euros and diesel at 2.46 euros per litre. This difference from the UnitedConsumers series makes clear that the source, timing and method of calculation are decisive. The ANWB cites the oil price and the dollar exchange rate as important factors.
The rise comes at a time of high international energy costs. AutoWeek writes that disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East have pushed up recommended prices. The publication also cites refining margins, more expensive oil transport and taxes as factors. A direct fall in the oil price does not automatically translate into lower prices at the pump on the same day.
For motorists, the main consequence of the development is that the price gap between petrol and diesel has become smaller than usual. For transport companies, delivery services and other businesses involving many miles, higher fuel costs feed through into operating costs. The extent of this varies by vehicle, contract and the ability to pass on costs.
We are therefore treating the precise claim that petrol reached a new record on Saturday with caution. The available public information confirms that Euro95 was almost at the record on Friday and that diesel was around the same level, but contains no independent second real-time figure for Saturday morning. UnitedConsumers, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and the ANWB also do not use the same price definition.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- According to UnitedConsumers, the recommended price for Euro95 was almost at the previous record on Friday.
- Diesel was slightly more expensive than petrol in the same series.
- Price sources show different averages.
- Fuel prices are influenced by factors including the oil price, exchange rate, refining, transport and taxes.
Left
Arguments The high price at the pump affects people on low incomes and those who depend on their cars for work. The government should temporarily reduce taxes while investing in affordable public transport and cleaner alternatives.
Values Affordability, social protection and a rapid energy transition.
Consequences A tax cut could help households immediately, but would cost the Treasury money and could encourage longer use of fossil fuels.
Centre
Arguments Targeted support for people and sectors that cannot switch quickly is better than a general price reduction. Transparency about price structures and competition between petrol stations could improve the functioning of the market.
Values Efficiency, transparency and a predictable transition.
Consequences Targeted measures limit the cost, but leave many motorists to experience the high market price themselves.
Right
Arguments The government should not keep correcting the market. Lower charges, less regulation and greater energy supply could structurally lead to lower prices; consumers should then decide for themselves how and when to switch.
Values Individual responsibility, affordability through supply and restrained government.
Consequences Greater supply could push prices down, but without targeted protection, vulnerable households would remain exposed to fluctuations in the short term.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The text clearly distinguishes between recommended prices and other averages. The exact Saturday record price remains uncertain and is not presented as an established figure.
- confirmed The UnitedConsumers recommended price for Euro95 was 2.728 euros per litre on Friday. — Mentioned by AutoWeek on the basis of UnitedConsumers. source
- confirmed Diesel stood at 2.732 euros per litre in the same series. — Mentioned by AutoWeek. source
- confirmed The ANWB shows different current averages from UnitedConsumers. — The current ANWB page shows separate averages and states the price context used. source
- uncertain Petrol definitely reached a new record on Saturday. — The available source says this may have happened on Saturday, but does not independently confirm it. source
Editor's note
The Friday recommended prices are well supported, but the Saturday record claim from the news headlines could not be independently confirmed using the same method of measurement. The status is therefore insufficient_sources.Sources
- Benzineprijs hard op weg naar nieuw record — AutoWeek, op basis van ANP en UnitedConsumers
- Check de actuele benzineprijs — ANWB
- Pompprijzen motorbrandstoffen; brandstofsoort, per dag — CBS
More on this in Dutch media
- De Telegraaf — „benzine diesel”
- Trouw — „benzine diesel”
- RTL Nieuws — „benzine diesel”