Fuel prices surge: spanish drivers face steepest jump in weeks

Spanish motorists are grappling with a significant spike at the pump. Gasoline and diesel prices have surged in the past fortnight, driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, leaving drivers facing considerably higher costs to fill up.

Fuel costs soar: how much more are drivers paying?

The data reveals a stark reality: within just 14 days, the price of 95 octane gasoline has climbed from an average of 1.495 euros per liter on March 1st to 1.707 euros on March 13th – a 0.212 euro increase. Diesel has seen an even steeper ascent, jumping from 1.447 euros to 1.830 euros per liter, a staggering 0.383 euro rise.

To illustrate the financial impact, we examined the cost of filling the tanks of the ten best-selling cars of 2024. While all models are gasoline-powered, we also calculated the potential diesel equivalent to provide a fuller picture.

The Seat Ibiza, with a 40-liter tank, now costs approximately 68.28 euros to fill, up from 59.80 euros two weeks ago – an extra 8.48 euros. If it were diesel, the cost would be 73.20 euros, compared to 57.88 euros previously, a jump of 15.32 euros.

The Dacia Sandero, boasting a larger 50-liter tank, sees a similar trend. A full tank now costs 85.35 euros compared to 74.75 euros on March 1st, a 10.60 euro increase. Diesel would now set drivers back 91.50 euros, versus 72.35 euros, representing an extra 19.15 euros.

The Toyota C-HR, with a 43-liter capacity, now requires 73.40 euros for a full tank, up from 64.29 euros. That's a 9.11 euro difference. Switching to diesel would push the cost to 78.69 euros, 16.47 euros more than before.

The Peugeot 208, with a 44-liter tank, now costs around 75.11 euros to fill, compared to 65.78 euros a month ago – an increase of 9.33 euros. Diesel would now cost 80.52 euros, up from 63.67 euros, a difference of 16.85 euros.

The Renault Clio, holding 39 liters, now costs 66.57 euros to fill, compared to 58.31 euros earlier in the month, an 8.26 euro increase. Diesel would cost 71.37 euros, 14.94 euros more.

The Toyota Corolla mirrors the C-HR in its 43-liter tank and price increase. The Seat Arona, sharing the same 40-liter capacity as the Ibiza, follows a similar pattern.

The Nissan Qashqai, a larger vehicle with a 55-liter tank, now costs 93.89 euros to fill, compared to 82.23 euros on March 1st – a 11.66 euro increase. Diesel would now cost 100.65 euros, up from 79.59 euros, a significant 21.06 euros more.

The Toyota Yaris Cross, with the smallest tank at 36 liters, now costs 61.45 euros, compared to 53.82 euros a month ago – a 7.63 euro rise. Diesel would cost 65.88 euros, up from 52.09 euros, a 13.79 euro increase.

Finally, the MG ZS, also with a 55-liter capacity, follows the Qashqai’s trend, with a full tank now costing 93.89 euros.

José Luis Martín, a fuel industry expert, predicts that gasoline prices could reach 4.50 euros per liter. The cumulative effect is clear: Spanish drivers are facing a substantial pinch at the pump. Filling up the tanks of the country’s most popular vehicles now costs between 7 and nearly 12 euros more with gasoline. Diesel drivers, however, are looking at an even steeper bill – ranging from 14 to over 21 euros extra.

This isn't just about disposable income; it's a direct hit to household budgets. The surge in fuel costs is a tangible consequence of global instability, and it’s a trend that shows no immediate signs of reversing.