Fuel prices in the Czech Republic have experienced another uptick since the previous week, indicating an ongoing trend of gradual increases. According to data from CCS, a company specializing in fuel price monitoring, the most widely used gasoline type, Natural 95, has risen by 22 haléřů to reach an average price of 39.75 Kč/l. Simultaneously, the cost of a liter of diesel has climbed to an average of 38.04 Kč/l, reflecting an increase of 25 haléřů compared to the preceding Wednesday. This marks the first time diesel prices have surpassed the 38 Kč mark since mid-December of the previous year. The consistent rise in fuel prices has been in motion since late May 2023.

The surge in diesel prices gained momentum at the start of August when the consumption tax on diesel saw an increase of 1.50 koruny per liter. Following this change, the price of diesel has risen by over four koruny. Previously, at the beginning of the month, the average price per liter of diesel stood at 33.95 koruny. This tax increase returned the diesel tax to levels observed until June of the prior year, when the government lowered it in response to elevated fuel prices, providing relief to the transportation sector.

Notably, despite the sustained upward trajectory, fuel prices in the Czech Republic remain more affordable compared to the same period the previous year, notably during the Russian conflict with Ukraine. Presently, gasoline is approximately 76 haléřů per liter cheaper than a year ago, while diesel costs nearly seven koruny less than it did during the same period in the past.

A regional breakdown reveals that motorists in the South Bohemian Region enjoy the most economical fuel rates, with an average of 39.30 Kč/l for gasoline and 37.55 Kč/l for diesel. Conversely, fuel stations in Prague consistently maintain the highest prices. In the capital city, the mean cost of a liter of gasoline stands at 40.88 Kč, while diesel is priced at 39.29 Kč per liter.

Moreover, the price of Natural 95 is approaching levels seen last year, currently differing by only 61 haléřů from the end of August the prior year. For diesel vehicle owners, the situation is even more advantageous, with a cost decrease of 6.66 koruny per liter compared to the previous year.

Stanjura has observed that the average profit margin of fuel stations has decreased compared to earlier periods.

Article by Prague Forum