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Diesel prices have increased the most in Malaga over the last week.
Regular diesel, the most commonly used fuel in the province, rose from an average of €1.33 per liter on March 1st to €1.65 per litre on Monday — a 32-cent increase, or roughly 25%.
By comparison, 95-octane gasoline increased more slowly, from €1.40 to €1.64 per liter, a rise of 24 cents, or 17%.
In Malaga city, where prices are generally higher than the provincial average, diesel reached €1.78 per liter, while 95-octane gasoline was €1.68.
In Malaga city specifically, where limited competition keeps pump prices higher than the provincial average, diesel reached €1.78 per liter yesterday, while 95-octane gasoline hit €1.68.
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The price spike is related to the American-Israeli attack on February 28, which escalated into a full-scale conflict in the Persian Gulf.
Since last week, the Strait of Hormuz has been closed. This is a major global oil chokepoint, through which 20 percent of crude oil passes.
Brent crude prices have increased by 40%. They fluctuated sharply on Monday, but they surpassed $100 per barrel.
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The Ministry for Ecological Transition has released the latest report on the fuel stations in Spain. Diesel is up 20%, and gasoline 10%, since the start of the conflict.
Diesel prices now exceed those of gasoline, something that hasn’t happened since the beginning of the Ukraine war in 2022. This is especially bad for those who depend on their car to get to work.
Consumer associations have warned that certain suppliers could be taking advantage of the situation by provoking speculation or price gouging.
Álvaro Fontes, president of the Andalucian Association of Retail Fuel and Petroleum Product Sellers (Agavecar), adds that the low euro-dollar exchange rate mitigates some of the impact, but the sector remains worried about the effect on daily life.
Álvaro Fontes, president of the Andalucian Association of Retail Fuel and Petroleum Product Sellers (Agavecar), notes that while the low euro-dollar exchange rate mitigates some impact, the sector remains very concerned about the rapid rise.
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Fuel prices are now approaching €2 per litre at the highest-priced stations.
In Casares, the priciest station in the province, diesel was listed at €1.999 per litre on Monday, with several other stations charging above €1.90.
The difference between the cheapest (€1.64 in Pizarra) and most expensive stations can reach 36 cents per litre for diesel, and 37 cents for gasoline.
Savvy consumers can therefore save up to €1 for every three litres simply by choosing their gas station carefully.
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