Fuel Prices Surge Across Styria, Austrians Cross Border to Slovenia for Cheaper Refills

Graz, Styria – Fuel prices in Styria, Austria, have risen sharply, with diesel exceeding €2 per liter in many areas, prompting residents to seek cheaper alternatives across the border in Slovenia. The price hikes are attributed to disruptions in oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz due to escalating military tensions, driving up the cost of crude oil to over $105 per barrel.

Price Disparities Within Styria

Significant price variations exist within Styria itself. According to data from E-Control Austria, the lowest diesel prices are currently found in parts of the Murtal region, ranging from €1.50 to €1.60 per liter. However, in the Graz area, diesel costs just under or over €2 per liter, with some discount stations offering it for around €1.90. Leoben has also seen a rapid increase, with prices jumping from €1.88 to €1.99 at noon on Monday, and exceeding €2 at other stations.

Premium diesel has already surpassed the €2 mark, costing €2.30 or more. Super 95 gasoline prices have also increased, ranging from approximately €1.50 to €1.60 in Upper Styria, but now costing between €1.70 and €1.80 depending on the region.

Cross-Border Refueling in Slovenia

The high fuel prices in Styria are driving increased traffic to Slovenia, where prices are considerably lower. As of Monday, petrol in Šentilj, Slovenia, cost €1.44 per liter, and diesel was priced at €1.46 per liter. Drivers from Graz, the Graz area, and Leibnitz are among those crossing the border to take advantage of the cheaper fuel.

Industry Response and Economic Concerns

Jürgen Roth, chairman of the energy division in the Styrian Chamber of Commerce, stated that gas stations are not profiting excessively from the price increases, emphasizing that they are the final link in the supply chain. The primary beneficiaries are those involved in crude oil extraction and processing.

Roth cautioned that a prolonged period of high oil prices could have “dramatic effects on inflation, on the location [of businesses], and, unfortunately, at the end of the day, of course, on consumers,” as increased energy costs are ultimately reflected in the prices of all goods.

Recent Crisis Preparedness Exercises

In September 2025, a large-scale crisis exercise for electricity supply was successfully conducted in Graz, led by E-Control, Austrian Power Grid AG (APG), and Energienetze Steiermark. The exercise involved representatives from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism, Energie Steiermark, the State of Styria, Verbund, and industrial representatives from Voestalpine Stahl Donawitz GmbH and Sappi Austria Produktions-GmbH & Co KG. The scenario simulated a hot summer with low river levels, windless conditions, and increased demand due to air conditioning use, leading to potential power supply disruptions. E-Control: Krisenübung für Strom in Graz erfolgreich durchgeführt

Regulatory Updates

As of December 24, 2025, significant portions of the Electricity Act (ElWG) came into effect. E-Control Austria is currently updating its website to reflect these changes, as many existing contents refer to the previous ElWOG 2010 regulations. Unsere Energie gehört der Zukunft – E-Control