Slight rise in petrol charges in recent weeks with price hike expected

Petrol prices have shown a small increase so far in February as diesel fell during the same period, the latest AA Ireland fuel prices survey shows.

The average petrol price was €1.65 in February, an increase of 2.5% on January 2023 of this year.

However, diesel prices dropped slightly this month, with the average now standing at €1.68 - 1.7% less than in January.

Figures from the AA, show the average petrol driver now spends around €2,003 per year on fuel, while the average diesel buyer €1,680.

With an excise duty reduction on petrol and diesel expected to be phased out in the coming weeks, motorists could be facing as much as a €10 increase for average tank fill of fuel. 

AA Ireland said the proposed ending of the excise duty on petrol and diesel will increase fuel prices by as much as 15 cents per litre for diesel and 20 cents per litre for petrol.

This increase should be staggered, according to AA Ireland to avoid difficulties at fuel stations.

It has also emerged that the average EV driver now spends €1,306 on electricity. The AA found that EV driving costs are around 34% less than running an equivalent petrol vehicle when it comes to fuel costs.