# Croatia energy price increases

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/croatia-energy-price-increases
> Updated: 2026-08-28T18:49:56.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 2.

Croatia is experiencing rising energy costs affecting fuel and natural gas prices. In late August, gasoline and diesel prices increased following new government regulations, though annual increases for these fuels remained below the European Union average.

The Croatian Employers Association has urged the government to lift retail price restrictions, warning that rising energy costs may trigger further retail price hikes in the autumn. 

Simultaneously, rising wholesale prices on European exchanges and low storage levels are signaling higher costs for the upcoming heating season. While Croatia possesses strategic advantages through an LNG terminal and underground storage, local distributors have begun notifying small users of tariff adjustments starting in October. Experts suggest monthly household bills could rise by approximately 3 to 3.20 euros, depending on whether the government implements further energy intervention measures.

Newer data indicates broader European instability, as EU natural gas storage levels reached only 63% in late August, significantly below the historical 80% average. Analysts warn that the EU could enter the winter heating season with reserves approximately 20% below the five-year average, the lowest levels since 2013. Geopolitical instability in the Middle East, particularly disruptions in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, has hindered LNG exports and increased price volatility. Within this context, Croatian consumers may face specific price increases of 7% to 8% starting in October.

## Claims

- EU gas storage levels were 63% full in the last week of August (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Greg Molnar predicts EU gas stocks will enter the heating season approximately 20% below the five-year average, the lowest level since 2013 (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Centrica CEO Chris O'Shea stated the UK has almost no gas in its storage for the upcoming winter (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Gradska plinara Zagreb director Dalibor Pudić estimates Croatian gas prices could increase by 7 to 8 percent in October (corroborated by 3 sources)
- SEB chief commodity analyst Bjarne Schieldrop noted that panic is beginning to spread in the market (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Diesel prices in Bosnia and Herzegovina reached 3.55 KM due to Middle East geopolitical instability (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-28: Europe faces energy crisis as gas reserves hit 13-year low

Europe faces a potential energy crisis as EU gas reserves hit 13-year lows. Experts warn of winter price volatility and supply risks, while UK and Croatian consumers brace for potential cost increases.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-faces-rising-gas-prices-amid-european-energy-crisis

### 2026-08-26: Croatia implements fuel price increases amid calls to lift retail controls

Croatia implements new fuel price hikes, with diesel and gasoline increasing. While annual growth remains below the EU average, employers urge the lifting of price controls amid rising energy costs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-implements-fuel-price-increases-amid-calls-to-lift-retail-controls

---
Cite as: Croatia energy price increases. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/croatia-energy-price-increases