The price of diesel turned to a sharp rise – Fuel sellers are cautious in their statements

The price of diesel has been relatively low in 2025, if the prices are compared to, for example, 2022 or 2023. The average monthly price of diesel was 1.61 e/l several times in 2025, most recently in October. According to the most recent data dated January 2026, the average price of diesel was 1.77 e/l. As you can see from the graph below, the average price of diesel has started to rise sharply.

The last time the price of diesel was as high or even higher was a year ago in winter. In January 2025, the average price of diesel was as high as 1.8 e/l. Also, by looking at more recent statistics, it can be stated that with the recent price increase, the price of diesel has by no means risen exceptionally high.

St1 and ABC commented only briefly

We asked representatives of St1 and ABC gas stations about the background to the increase in the price of diesel, but the answers were vague.

“Basically, due to competition law reasons, we cannot comment on prices,” was the reply from St1’s communication.

Simo BriskSales & Operations Lead Retail Finland stated to Alma News Media the following:

“On a general level, fuel pricing is affected by, for example, the world market price of crude oil, exchange rate changes, refining and logistics costs, taxes and local competition. There is no single reason for price fluctuations, but there are several factors that change every day.”

The ABC chain’s response was also cautious.

“The price of fuel is largely controlled by the continuous development of the global market situation, changes in the amount of the bio-obligation, temperature and seasonal fluctuations, and fluctuating exchange rates, which the operators of the fuel trade cannot practically influence,” comments the manager responsible for transport energies and car washes Tiina Viksten from SOK’s transport department.

However, SOK has at least one quite understandable explanation for the increase in the price of diesel in winter.

“Furthermore, the consumption of middle distillates typically increases during the winter. Middle distillates refer to, among other things, diesel fuels and light fuel oil, the use of which increases in the cold season,” Viksten continues.