European fuel prices keep climbing months after Slovenia lifted rationing

Slovenia in March became the first European Union country to impose government-mandated fuel rationing, capping purchases for private drivers at 50 litres per day as disruptions from the US-Israel conflict with Iran sent energy prices surging across Europe. The measure, since lifted, set a precedent that highlighted the vulnerability of European fuel markets to Middle Eastern instability.

Rationing to Combat Fuel Tourism

Prime Minister Robert Golob announced the restrictions on March 22, stating they would remain in effect until further notice. Under the rules, businesses and farmers were allowed up to 200 litres per day. Golob stressed that Slovenian fuel warehouses were full and that no actual shortage existed, framing the policy as precautionary.newsonair+2

The trigger was a surge in cross-border "fuel tourism," particularly from Austria, where gasoline prices had neared €1.80 per litre and diesel approached €2. Slovenia's regulated prices remained considerably lower, drawing what fuel distributor MOL Slovenia described as an "exceptional" surge in demand at border stations. Prior to the government mandate, MOL and Shell ↘ 0.34% had already imposed their own caps of 30 litres per visit for private vehicles.newsweek+1

Broader Energy Crisis

The rationing came as the war in Iran knocked more than a fifth of Middle Eastern refining capacity offline and severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. European diesel prices rose more than 70 percent from the war's outset, while Brent crude traded around $90 a barrel — roughly 25 percent above pre-conflict levels. Ukrainian attacks on Russian refinery infrastructure compounded the strain, leaving global refinery processing 5.1 million barrels per day below year-earlier levels according to the International Energy Agency.thedubrovniktimes

A Temporary Measure

Slovenia's rationing regime was removed by late May 2026 as supply conditions stabilized. However, fuel prices across Europe remain elevated months later. Croatian diesel is projected to reach €1.86 per litre in coming days, while Moldova and other eastern European nations continue to absorb sharp increases. The International Energy Agency's policy tracker shows several countries still maintaining emergency energy measures, and analysts warn that damaged Gulf refinery infrastructure could keep fuel prices high for years even if hostilities cease.logos-pres+3