Diesel fuel prices in Ireland 2000-2021

Ireland has seen an overall increase in the price of diesel fuel since 2000, with prices amounting to 1.32 euros per liter in 2021. Between 2009 and 2012 prices sharply increased, peaking at 1.55 euros per liter in the latter year. The following four years experienced annual decreases in prices, however, since 2016 prices have been increasing again. Monthly diesel prices were highest in the fall of 2018, when they climbed to 124.9 British pence per liter and notably fell during the coronavirus pandemic in the spring of 2020. However, the recent Europe-wide energy supply shortage has had a huge impact on liquid fuel prices in the country, driving diesel prices past 120 pence per liter in the summer and fall months.

Oil price slump 2020

It is not just Ireland that has seen significant price decrease in the spring and summer of 2020. Lockdowns and reduced oil demand due to mobility restrictions have impacted the price of diesel globally. The cost per barrel of Brent crude oil declined by an average of 20 U.S. dollars per barrel in 2020 compared to 2019.

Diesel cars the most popular in Ireland despite fall in sales

Despite a decline in the overall number of diesel cars sold in Ireland, and a growth in electric car sales in recent years, diesel-powered passenger cars remain the most popular. In 2020, over 38,000 diesel cars were purchased by drivers in Ireland. However, the decrease in sales signals a shift away from this engine type.