Petrol and diesel prices hold broadly steady in September, says AA Ireland
AA Ireland’s latest fuel price analysis shows petrol and diesel prices were broadly steady in September, following the sharp increases recorded in August.
Petrol averaged €1.87 per litre in September, up just over 3 cents on August’s average of €1.84. Diesel averaged €1.94 per litre, up just 2 cents on €1.92 in August.
For a motorist filling a 50 litre tank, that is approximately €1.60 more for a tank of petrol and €1.32 more for diesel, or €6.40 and €5.28 respectively across four fills in the month.
Key figures:
- Petrol: €1.87 per litre on average in September, up just over 3 cents from €1.84 in August
- Diesel: €1.94 per litre on average in September, up just 2 cents from €1.92 in August
- Cost of a 50 litre tank: approximately €93.43 for petrol and €97.10 for diesel
The more significant development for motorists in September was the increase that did not happen. Excise rates had been due to begin returning to pre-reduction levels from 1 September, adding 9 cents to a litre of petrol and 10 cents to a litre of diesel. The Government deferred those increases in late August and approved the deferral on 27 August. The reduced rates now remain in place until 31 October.
An AA Ireland spokesperson said:
“After the sharp rises we saw in August, September has been a much steadier month at the pumps, with petrol and diesel both moving by less than three cents a litre.
“The bigger factor for motorists was the increase that did not arrive. Had the scheduled excise restoration gone ahead on 1 September, it would have added 9 cents to a litre of petrol and 10 cents to a litre of diesel. On our September averages, that would have pushed diesel above €2 per litre and added roughly €4.50 to a 50 litre tank of petrol and €5 to a tank of diesel.
“Motorists should be clear that this is a deferral and not a reversal. The reduced rates hold until the end of October, and from 1 November excise starts to be restored in four stages, beginning with 5 cents on petrol and 7 cents on diesel. The reduced NORA levy ends on 31 October as well. Anyone budgeting for the winter should plan on the basis that pump prices will rise from November, even if wholesale prices stay where they are.”
AA Ireland notes that pump prices continue to be shaped by international oil supply, geopolitical uncertainty and currency movements, with volatility remaining a feature of global energy markets.
Vehicle maintenance plays an important role
AA Ireland is reminding motorists that regular vehicle maintenance can improve fuel efficiency and help reduce running costs.
“Simple checks such as maintaining the correct tyre pressure, servicing your vehicle regularly and replacing worn air filters can all help improve efficiency,” the spokesperson said.
