Netherlands Petrol Prices Surge Above €2.50 Amid Middle East Conflict

The average recommended retail price for petrol in the Netherlands has risen above €2.50 per liter, reaching €2.504 for Euro95 as of Tuesday morning, March 17, 2026. This increase, nearing the record price of €2.505 set in 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, is largely attributed to ongoing unrest in the Middle East and a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Rising Costs Driven by Middle East Tensions

Pump prices have been steadily increasing in recent weeks due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for oil tankers, is significantly disrupting oil supplies and driving up prices according to UnitedConsumers.

Current Prices and Regional Variations

As of March 17, 2026, the recommended price for Euro95 petrol is €2.504 per liter, nearly 2 cents higher than the previous day. While this is the recommended price, motorists may find lower prices at petrol stations outside of highways. The average recommended price for diesel currently stands at €2.482 per liter .

Historical Context and Future Outlook

Fuel expert Denk Foolen of UnitedConsumers predicts that prices are likely to continue rising in the coming period, as the situation in the oil market remains uncertain. The current price surge echoes the increases seen in 2022, when fuel costs skyrocketed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Regional Price Differences

According to data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) Netherlands, prices vary depending on location. In January 2026, the average price for Euro95 was €2.013 per liter, rising to €2.039 in February 2026 . Prices at highway stations are consistently higher than those at local manned and unmanned stations.

UK Petrol Prices Also Rising

The price increases are not limited to the Netherlands. Across the UK, average petrol prices have risen by over 8p, while diesel has increased by more than 18p according to The Telegraph.

Finding the Lowest Prices

Motorists looking to save money are advised to shop around for the cheapest petrol stations in their area. Prices can vary significantly, with unmanned stations often offering lower prices than those along highways or manned stations .