Benzine and diesel prices have reached their highest levels since autumn 2023, with national advisory prices hitting €2.285 per liter for gasoline and €2.080 per liter for diesel as of Tuesday, according to UnitedConsumers. While actual pump prices may be lower, especially at unmanned stations, manned stations face increasing difficulty staying below €2 per liter due to operational costs, location, and competition. Fuel expert Derk Foolen attributes these surges primarily to a rising oil price, now above $70 per barrel, up from around $60 in December 2025. Geopolitical tensions, including US trade disputes and potential conflict involving Iran, are significant drivers of this oil price increase. Additionally, a recent excise tax hike on January 1, which partially reversed a 2022 energy crisis discount, has also contributed to the higher fuel costs.