Since mid-January this year, when a liter of Natural 95 cost less than CZK 28 and diesel cost roughly CZK 27.20, fuel prices continue to rise gradually. From February of last year, petrol has been the most expensive, while diesel has been the most costly since mid-March. Drivers paid over six crowns less for a liter of Natural 95 a year ago, and diesel was nearly four cents cheaper.
The oil market is driven by gasoline consumption, which should increase as the summer season approaches and people begin going on vacation. “This is accompanied by the removal of restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus, which have impeded economic growth. Increased demand for oil will result from the restoration of economic growth,” said Křeček, Chief Economist at BH Securities.
Traveling to Croatia this summer will be more expensive for Czechs, compared to the previous year. “Similar to last year, Czechs are expected to spend approximately CZK 3,400 on fuel alone when going to Croatia and returning this summer. The same expenses cost them roughly CZK 3,000 last year,” stated Chief Economist of Trinity Bank Lukáš Kovanda. He factored in the average price of gasoline and diesel and the usage of five liters per 100 kilometers on the Prague-Split route.
The cheapest gasoline is presently available in the Moravian-Silesian region, where a litre costs on average CZK 31.72. The South Bohemia Region has the lowest diesel prices, at an average of CZK 29.52 per litre. On the other hand, petrol stations in Prague offer the most expensive fuels, with petrol costing on average CZK 32.78/l and diesel costing CZK 30.54/l.