Fuel prices in Croatia could reach historic highs next week if the government does not intervene to offset rising costs.

Croatia may see its most expensive diesel prices on record starting next Tuesday. Unofficial reports indicate that without government intervention, the cost of various fuel types is expected to rise, with eurodiesel potentially reaching €1.95 per litre.

Projected Fuel Price Increases

If the government does not implement measures to curb the increase, the price of eurosuper is expected to rise by one cent to €1.74 per litre. Eurodiesel is projected to increase by ten cents to €1.95 per litre, while blue diesel is expected to see the largest hike, rising 11 cents to €1.51 per litre.

Market Factors and Expert Analysis

The price surge is attributed to global energy market disruptions linked to the U.S. conflict with Iran and recent drone attacks on the Saudi East-West oil pipeline. Brent crude prices have risen above $100 per barrel, with some European deliveries exceeding $120. Energy expert Davor Štern stated that these increases are driven largely by market speculation and expectations of future shortages rather than an immediate physical lack of fuel. Professor Marijana Ivanov of the Faculty of Economics in Zagreb noted that the government has limited options to mitigate these costs. She cautioned that reducing excise duties or VAT could strain public finances, and further cuts to distributor margins may prove unsustainable for small traders.