Fuel prices drop to the lowest seen since September 2021 but set to rise - AA Ireland
According to the latest fuel prices survey from AA Ireland, fuel prices have fallen to the lowest since the start of the war in Ukraine and the average petrol price across the country is €1.59, the lowest since September 2021. Diesel fuel has dropped significantly, with the average at €1.51, 9% less than last month.
AA Ireland's Head of Communications, Paddy Comyn, said: "We have not seen prices this low for petrol and diesel since September 2021, well before the start of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which led to a dramatic increase in fuel prices internationally."
However, these prices are unlikely to last as a phased restoration of previously reduced rates of excise on petrol and diesel will take place in three stages over the coming months.
This reintroduction of duty will see rates restored on June 1 by six cents per litre of petrol and five cents per litre of diesel. On September 1, these rates will increase by seven cents for petrol and five cents for diesel. The Government will fully restore the rates on October 31 with a final increase of eight cents for petrol and six cents for diesel.
“Motorists won’t be able to enjoy these prices for too long, however. We already know that unless prices fall again, then petrol will be back up to around €1.80 per litre and diesel to €1.76 per litre by the end of October which were the same as at the start of the Ukraine conflict,” added Mr Comyn.
Meanwhile, EV drivers are paying almost identical amounts this month as electricity prices remain elevated. The average EV driver is paying €1,131.04 to charge their car over the course of the year, down from €1,138.13 in the previous month.
However, those that are taking advantage of Smart Meters and cheap night rates are paying as little as €421.43 to cover the same 17,000km distance. Those that are charging exclusively on public chargers could be paying up to €2,150.27 per year.
With wholesale gas prices falling in recent months, EV drivers anxiously await a corresponding drop in electricity prices. Continued volatility in global markets and more long-term hedging mean these prices may take some time to pass on.
AA Ireland Members can avail of three cents off a litre from Circle K via the AA Ireland App.