Drivers in Spain face the end of government fuel discounts on September 30, with higher prices expected at the pump in October. No extension has been confirmed, leaving motorists little time to refuel before the support expires.
Gasoline 95 has risen by 0.48 euros per litre in three months, an increase of about 33%. Diesel has climbed by 0.35 to 0.40 euros per litre, or 23 to 27%, since late June. The steady increases have left many drivers unsure what to do. Some are hoping prices will fall, but the market continues to move up.
In September, the discount stood at 5 cents per litre for gasoline and 20 cents for diesel. Professional diesel users also received support of 200 euros per 1,000 litres. The government is still talking with unions and businesses, as well as other groups, about possible extensions or new measures, but no decision has been made.
Recent changes in the law have already reduced the relief. Real decree law 18/2026, passed in June, shifted the focus of subsidies to the hydrocarbon tax and restored VAT on fuel to 21%. Discounts fell from 15 cents per litre in July to 10 cents in August and 5 cents in September. The plan was to phase out support unless inflation spiked. A safeguard clause could have raised the discount to 20 cents if fuel inflation exceeded 15%, but that is not expected to happen in October.
As the official support ends, the government says it is monitoring the economic fallout from the conflict in Iran "minute by minute." Reports from IRU say diesel prices in Spain have recently reached seasonal highs. Ending state support removes the automatic mechanism that could have extended or increased the discount in October, adding pressure on professional drivers and sectors such as agriculture and fisheries, which also lose targeted aid under the broader anti-crisis package.
Spain is not alone in facing higher costs. The squeeze on household budgets has already prompted supermarkets to cut prices on basic goods, as shown by the recent drop in olive oil prices. Fuel prices, but, are shaped by global markets and government rules, leaving consumers with little control.
Unless the government changes course at the last minute, October will bring higher fuel bills for millions. Filling up before the discounts expire is the only sure way to avoid the increase.
