Spain reduces fuel tax relief to 10 cents per litre

The Spanish government announced that the special hydrocarbon tax relief on gasoline and diesel will be reduced from 15 cents to 10 cents per litre starting 1 August 2026. The measure is part of a decree responding to the economic effects of the war in Iran. If the consumer‑price index for fuel exceeds 15 % year‑on‑year in June, the cut could deepen to 20 cents for August and 15 cents for September. The decree also removes the earlier 10 % VAT reduction on fuels, prompting the Confederación Española de Empresarios de Estaciones de Servicio (CEEES) to warn of a direct price rise of more than six cents per litre nationwide.

Current average prices reported by Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition show gasoline 95 octane at €1.73 per litre and diesel at €1.85 per litre. Low‑cost chains such as Costco, Alcampo, Ballenoil, Plenergy and Petroprix are offering prices well below the national average, with some stations listing gasoline at €1.58‑€1.62 per litre. An OCU study adds that fuel sold at highway service stations can be up to 26 % more expensive than at nearby low‑cost outlets, further affecting drivers on long trips.

These combined policy changes and price differentials are expected to influence consumer spending on transport and may prompt motorists to seek cheaper stations or adjust travel plans.