Transport: diesel at 2.26 EUR/l, relief measures end in September

Market today in figures (CargoNice data)

The average diesel price in the EU was 2 158,74 EUR/1000L on 14 September 2026, compared with 2 107,39 EUR/1000L in the previous reading — an increase of 51,35 EUR/1000L. In Germany, the indicator reached 2 426,00 EUR/1000L on 14 September 2026, while in Poland it stood at 2 005,15 EUR/1000L on the same day. The spot rate on the Poland→Germany lane was 2,17 EUR/km on 21 September 2026, while the load-to-truck ratio was 5,70 load/vehicle on 23 September 2026. The data indicates that fuel pressure is increasing, while load availability relative to vehicles has not improved compared with the previous reading.

European diesel surpasses previous highs

IRU reported that the weighted average diesel price in the European Union reached 2,26 EUR/l on 17 September. This is 38% higher than on 27 February and above the organisation’s previous yearly high. The increase is attributed to pressure on refineries, inventories and diesel flows, even though the price of Brent crude remains below its spring peak.

CargoNice’s EU reading from 14 September was 2 158,74 EUR/1000L, confirming the upward trend ahead of IRU’s later publication. The different dates and methodologies mean that the figures should not be treated as the same indicator, but both signals reinforce the need to update fuel indices on an ongoing basis.

The end of September is particularly important, as support mechanisms are due to expire or be reassessed in several countries. Carriers may therefore already be trying to pass the risk of October costs into spot and contract offers. Source: IRU

The Netherlands: road toll as a separate cost item

DHL Global Forwarding has applied a road surcharge since 1 September 2026 for shipments to and from the Netherlands. The freight forwarder links it to the Dutch truck toll, which replaced the Eurovignette system in the country in July.

The charge applies to both domestic and foreign heavy goods vehicles. It therefore covers not only local distribution, but also international haulage serving Dutch logistics hubs and connections with Belgium and Germany.

In quotations, the cost of toll-covered kilometres must be distinguished from the fuel adjustment. Combining both components into one unexplained surcharge makes margin control and customer settlement more difficult. Source: DHL Global Forwarding Source: Truck Toll Netherlands

Uber Freight strengthens its European 4PL business

Uber Freight has announced investments in its European 4PL business, the expansion of its operational, product and engineering resources, and the opening of its second European location in Krakow. European operations will be led by Mike Doucleff.

Chemicals are expected to be an early growth area. This segment requires the integration of cross-border road transport, rail and short-sea shipping, and therefore the coordination of more participants than a standard road haulage operation.

The expansion of 4PL means the emergence of a stronger organiser of procurement and transport capacity management in European industrial supply chains. This could increase competition for carrier partners and for the handling of tenders on complex multimodal routes. Source: Uber Freight

In brief

Fuel mechanisms in Romania, Italy and Hungary do not provide uniform relief for road haulage, so fuel costs must be priced separately for each market.

• Romania: A temporary 25% reduction in diesel excise duty applies from 16 to 30 September. Conditions from 1 October have not yet been finalised, although a margin cap and a limit of one retail price increase per day are due to remain in force until 31 October. Source: IRU Source: PretCarburant
• Italy: The excise duty relief was extended for the tenth time, but reduced on 18 September, with a further reduction announced for 26 September. From 5 October, an automatic mechanism based on excess VAT receipts is expected to operate. Source: IRU
• Hungary: The latest support package covers private diesel users and farmers, but not road carriers. Commercial tax refund rules remain a separate issue. Source: IRU Source: NAV