On October 1, Spanish drivers will lose the government’s temporary fuel tax cuts, which have kept petrol and diesel prices lower for months. The change comes amid volatile oil markets, adding uncertainty about what motorists will pay at the pump.
Industry insiders advise anyone planning to refuel to do so before September ends. The Real Decreto-ley 18/2026, passed this summer, lowered the Impuesto sobre Hidrocarburos for the most-used fuels. The cuts took effect from July through September, but all end on September 30. After that, the previous, higher tax rates return.
September brought a larger break for diesel drivers. As prices moved up and down, the government increased the diesel tax cut to 20 cents per litre, a deeper reduction than in previous months. Petrol received a 5 cent cut. Both groups got some relief, but it is about to end.
Taxes aren’t the only factor drivers have to watch. Oil prices around the world have been jumping, while distribution costs add uncertainty. Petrol stations may raise prices at different times and by different amounts. Still, the end of the tax break removes a basic cushion that has helped keep prices down in recent weeks.
The IRU says there is no automatic extension mechanism for Spain’s reduced fuel tax rates. Unless the government enacts a new measure, the standard tax regime resumes on October 1. The change will affect the transport sector and professional diesel users, who will lose both the reduced rate and the refund scheme.
With the tax support gone, pump prices will depend on oil prices and how each station sets its rates. Spanish drivers will face global energy costs without the temporary buffer while many are already dealing with other economic pressures.
Drivers across Europe also face rising costs and new rules. In Madrid, for example, new car regulations have already made owning a vehicle more expensive, as recent coverage shows.
