Petrol and diesel prices soar, driving motorists to Belgium

Petrol has also soared in price, reaching an average of €2.45 at the pump on Tuesday morning, according to consumer organisation UnitedConsumers. That is a rise of six cents on Monday’s average although petrol pump prices can vary considerably, particularly away from main roads and motorways.

Hundreds of Dutch motorists have also been heading over the border to Belgium, where petrol prices are cheaper. Some told the AD they were saving €40 to €50 on a full tank.

Fuel prices have been going up since the start of the war and are almost back at their levels of June 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The increase is largely down to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran. Around 20% of global oil production moves through the strait.

The oil markets have reacted sharply to statements by US president Donald Trump, falling some 7% after Trump said on Monday he was considering “taking over” the strait and that the war would be over soon.