Motorists planning European road trips this half-term face significantly higher costs at the pump, particularly in Northern Europe. A recent study identifies the Netherlands and Denmark as the most expensive destinations for fuel in the region .

The Netherlands' 209p Petrol Peak

According to research from RAC Fuel Watch, the Netherlands currently holds the title of the most expensive country in Europe for fuel. Motorists in the Netherlands are paying an average of 209p per litre for unleaded petrol and 204p per litre for diesel.

Denmark follows closely as the second most expensive nation, where unleaded petrol averages 204p per litre and diesel costs 202p per litre. Finland ranks third, with diesel prices climbing to 204p per litre and unleaded petrol averaging 186p per litre. Greece rounds out the top four, with unleaded petrol at 180p per litre and diesel at 162p per litre.

The UK's Ninth-Place Ranking at 157p per Litre

While prices are rising globally, the United Kingdom remains relatively more affordable than the top-tier expensive nations.. RAC Fuel Watch ranks the UK as the ninth most expensive country for fuel, with unleaded petrol averaging 157p per litre and diesel averaging 189p per litre.

Despite this ranking, British drivers have felt a sharp pinch recently. Petrol prices in the UK rose by approximately 20p to 25p per litre in recent months, hitting a five-month peak of roughly 158.3p per litre in mid-April.

The Strait of Hormuz and the 20% Oil Shipment Gap

The current price volatility is rooted in geopolitical instability in the Middle East that began in February. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has been a primary driver of the crisis, as this critical waterway typically manages around 20 per cent of all global oil shipments.

This disruption has triggered a worldwide fuel shortage, illustrating the fragility of global energy supply chains when key maritime chokepoints are compromised.. This pattern of price surging during Middle East conflicts is a recurring theme in global energy markets , often leaving consumers in the EU and UK vulnerable to rapid price hikes.

Diesel's 30% Surge Across the European Union

The price increases are not isolated to a few nations but are a broader European trend. As reported by Euro News, average petrol prices across the European Union rose by roughly 12 to 15 per cent between late February and late April 2026.

Diesel has seen an even more dramatic escalation. According to the Euro News report, diesel prices in some EU member states climbed by as much as 30 per cent during that same window, placing a heavy burden on commercial transport and diesel-reliant commuters.

Which EU Member States Offer the Lowest Rates?

While the report identifies the costliest nations, it leaves several questions unanswered regarding the most affordable options. The source notes that Luxembourg, Austria, Italy, and the UK offer cheaper fuel than the top four, but it does not provide the specific average prices for these countries.

Furthermore, the report does not specify which EU member state currently offers the absolute lowest price per litre. For motorists attempting to budget their trips, the lack of a "bottom of the list" comparison makes it difficult to determine exactly where the most significant savings can be found.