Higher fuel prices in Greece have pushed households to reduce non-essential travel, with gasoline above €2 per liter. The shift was visible in March and April and appears to have strengthened in May, based on preliminary estimates from fuel distributors.
Gasoline consumption declines while prices remain elevated
Petrol use totaled 343,086 tons across March and April, according to the data cited. That level represented a 2.2% fall versus the same period a year earlier. Early industry estimates suggest the decline widened to around 5% in May.
The figures point to continued sensitivity of petrol demand to elevated retail prices over the period described. Distributors’ preliminary assessments indicate that consumer behavior has remained affected into May.
Diesel demand holds near prior-year levels
Diesel consumption has remained broadly stable compared with petrol. Usage during the first two months after the outbreak of the conflict reached 468,968 tons, close to last year’s level. Analysts link the resilience to diesel’s role in freight transport, agriculture, and industrial activity.
They say those sectors face demand patterns that are less sensitive to price increases than discretionary travel. As a result, diesel volumes have not shown the same decline described for petrol.
Greek diesel subsidy extended amid Middle East-linked market disruptions
The Greek government extended its diesel support program in response to rising energy costs. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the subsidy will continue through June, providing a discount of €0.15 per liter. The government stated this keeps diesel prices about €0.3 per liter below levels recorded in March.
Even with the subsidy, diesel prices have risen since the start of the Middle East conflict. The increase has been associated with disruptions to global energy markets after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, described as a key route for oil shipments.
The support is intended to limit inflationary spillovers affecting businesses while keeping diesel costs down relative to March levels. Petrol demand trends, by contrast, reflect reduced travel and overall fuel consumption as prices continue to rise.
