Fuel prices remain steady ahead of planned increases in March – AA Ireland

The latest AA fuel prices survey has found that prices remain steady across the country.

The average petrol price is €1.61, 0.6% more than in December 2022.

Diesel fuel has dropped slightly in cost, and the average is €1.71, 1.7% less than in December 2022.

The steadying of prices comes ahead of an EU-wide ban on the importation of Russian oil products from February 5, which could lead to price increases, say the AA.

The government are also due to end a reduction on duty on petrol and diesel at the end of February.

Before it invaded Ukraine, Russia was Europe’s largest external fuel supplier, and the continent has continued to buy in significant volumes up to the cutoff.

Subsequently, the sanctions are likely to see a great rerouting of global diesel — helped by Russia’s new crude buyers, most likely, sending fuel back to Europe, said the AA in a statement.

“Europe has been raising its diesel imports from Asia and the Middle East, the two regions are now expected to shoulder most of its exports after the ban comes into place,” said AA Ireland head of communications, Paddy Comyn.

“The longer freight distances, however, and higher demand for tankers shipping the fuel into Europe have meant that freight rates are rising, potentially adding to the cost for consumers at the pumps. In the short term, there’s a risk of higher prices.”

The proposed cessation of the excise duty on petrol and diesel will increase fuel prices by 15 cent per litre for diesel and 20 cent per litre for petrol.

The AA Ireland call for the increase to be staggered to avoid difficulties at fuel stations.

“Suddenly switching off the excise duty reductions will inevitably cause anxiety leading up to the end of February, which could lead to tailbacks filling stations or pumps running dry in certain areas.

“A more prudent approach would be to stagger this over two to three months.

“There remains uncertainty because of the Ukraine conflict and the EU’s imminent ban on Russian oil products, particularly diesel, so a staggered reduction in duty could offer a buffer to any potential increases,” said Mr Comyn.

• AA calculates a diesel car will travel, on average, around 850km on a tank vs 700km in petrol, which is why even though diesel is more expensive, the consumer is still likely to use less of it for the same average 17,000km per year.