The price of diesel has risen more sharply than that of gasoline in recent weeks, in a movement that coincides with the worsening of tensions in the Middle East. Since the beginning of the conflict involving Iran, regular diesel has become more expensive by around 45 cents per liter, while regular 95 gasoline has risen to just over half that amount.
Europe more dependent on the outside
According to , the explanation for this difference lies in Europe’s dependence on abroad to guarantee diesel supplies. The same source highlights that Europe does not have enough refining capacity to meet the domestic demand for this fuel, which forces it to resort to imports.
Before the start of the war in Ukraine, a significant part of the diesel consumed in Europe came from Russia, a country with a high refining capacity.
With the embargoes imposed in the meantime, this flow was interrupted, forcing European countries to look for alternatives in more distant and, in some cases, more unstable markets.
New origins, more uncertainty
Among these alternatives are countries such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, which have gained greater importance in supplying diesel to the European space. However, the indirect involvement or geopolitical proximity of these regions to the current conflict has contributed to increasing uncertainty and putting pressure on prices.
The numbers illustrate this evolution. On the eve of the military escalation, regular diesel cost R$1,599 per liter. Less than a month later, the price rose to R$2,046.
Regular 95 gasoline went from R$1.684 to R$1.922 in the same period, reflecting a significantly more contained increase.
Faster climbs on diesel
The difference between the two fuels also increased in the last week. According to data released by the General Directorate of Energy and Geology, diesel increased by almost 12 cents in a few days, while gasoline rose by around half that amount.
In addition to geopolitical issues, there are structural factors that help explain this discrepancy. Diesel is most used in heavy transport and industry, sectors that are particularly sensitive to supply disruptions. Any sign of scarcity or logistical risk tends to be reflected more immediately in the price.
Gasoline, despite also depending on the international market, benefits from greater production capacity within Europe and more diversified supply chains. This helps to cushion, albeit partially, the impacts of external crises.
Non-consumer impact
At the consumer level, the increase in fuel prices has a direct impact on family budgets. The same source recommends adopting more efficient driving practices, such as regularly checking tire pressure, moderate use of air conditioning and smoother driving, measures that can significantly reduce annual consumption.
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