Rising petrol prices contrasted with decreasing diesel costs
Starting Monday, diesel prices in Portugal are forecasted to decrease slightly, with a potential drop of between 0.5 to 1.5 cents per liter, according to the Autmóvel Club de Portugal (ACP) and the Directorate General of Energy and Geology (DGEG). On the other hand, petrol prices are expected to either decrease marginally or increase slightly, depending on the week.
For instance, on Monday 4 August 2025, diesel is projected to drop from €1.59 to about €1.585 per litre, while petrol could rise from €1.678 to €1.703 per litre. This contrasts with earlier in July when both fuels were expected to fall slightly, with diesel decreasing by 1.5 cents and petrol by 0.5 cents, respectively.
These modest price changes are closely linked to fluctuations in international oil prices and the exchange rate of the euro against the US dollar over the preceding week. The prices of diesel and petrol in Portugal factor in the global market trends for oil and its derivatives, as well as the strength of the euro compared to the dollar, because oil is traded internationally in dollars and currency changes affect import costs.
This demonstrates the sensitivity of retail fuel prices in Portugal to international economic factors and currency fluctuations, in addition to national taxes and distribution factors. The average price of a litre of petrol in Portugal this Thursday was €1.678, as reported by DGEG, while the average price per litre of diesel was €1.59, as reported by DGEG.
It's important to note that prices for a litre of diesel and petrol at individual gas stations may vary. The prices reported by ACP and DGEG are averages and individual gas stations may set prices differently. For example, starting early next week, a litre of diesel in Portugal is expected to cost 1.585 euros, while a litre of petrol could cost €1.703. However, prices for a litre of petrol at individual gas stations may vary, and the petrol price increase, as reported by ACP, is expected to take effect early next week.
The Automóvel Club de Portugal (ACP) and the Directorate General of Energy and Geology (DGEG) are reliable sources that provide information about changes in fuel prices in Portugal. The behaviour of oil and oil product prices on international markets may influence fuel prices in Portugal, as well as the euro's exchange rate against the dollar over the past week. Thus, fuel price trends consider both the behaviour of oil prices on international markets and the euro's exchange rate against the dollar over the past week.
Portugal's diesel prices, set to drop next week, may stimulate the local industry, as lower fuel costs could lead to reduced production expenses. Conversely, fluctuating petrol prices might affect the finance sector, as changes in fuel prices could influence consumer spending patterns. As the energy sector depends on crude oil imports, the strength of the euro against the US dollar plays a crucial role in determining the cost of fuel in Portugal, thereby influencing both domestic industries and financial markets.
