Fuel Prices At Lowest Since September 2021

A report into us this week from the AA states that fuel prices have fallen to the lowest since the start of the war in Ukraine. The average petrol price across the state is €1.59, the lowest since September 2021. Diesel fuel has dropped significantly, with the average at €1.51, 9% less than last month. However, these prices are unlikely to last as a phased restoration of previously reduced rates of excise on petrol and diesel will take place in three stages over the coming months.

This reintroduction of duty will see rates restored on the 1st of June by 6 cents per litre of petrol and 5 cents per litre of diesel. On the 1st of September, these rates will increase by 7 cents for petrol and 5 cents for diesel. The Government will fully restore the rates on the 31st of October with a final increase of 8 cents for petrol and 6 cents for diesel.

Meanwhile, EV drivers are paying almost identical amounts this month as electricity prices remain elevated. The average EV driver is paying €1,131.04 to charge their car over the course of the year, down from €1,138.13 in the previous month.

However, those that are taking advantage of Smart Meters and cheap night rates are paying as little as €421.43 to cover the same 17,000km distance. Those that are charging exclusively on public chargers could be paying up to €2,150.27 per year.

With wholesale gas prices falling in recent months, EV drivers anxiously await a corresponding drop in electricity prices. Continued volatility in global markets and more long-term hedging mean these prices may take some time to pass on.

The AA have also calculated a diesel car will travel, on average, around 850 km on a tank vs 700 km on 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.