Transport: diesel remains expensive as Switzerland changes toll requirements

Market today in figures (CargoNice data)

The Orlen diesel price is 7,26 PLN/l, according to the reading from 30 September 2026, down by 0,10 PLN/l from the previous reading. The average diesel price in the EU is 2 226,44 EUR/1000L as of 21 September 2026, following an increase of 67,70 EUR/1000L. In Germany, the figure is 2 457,00 EUR/1000L as of 21 September 2026, while the model rate on the DE→PL lane reached 1,39 EUR/km as of 28 September 2026.

The decline in the domestic retail price does not change the broader picture: EU diesel costs remain under pressure, so international freight quotations still require up-to-date fuel adjustment mechanisms.

EU: stable supplies do not ease pressure on diesel

On 29 September, the European Commission’s Oil Coordination Group assessed that supplies of petroleum products in the EU are currently stable. This does not, however, mean that costs are returning to normal: diesel and jet fuel prices remain high because of tense conditions on global markets.

Commercial inventories at the Amsterdam–Rotterdam–Antwerp hub are an important signal for transport. They remain below the five-year average, although they have stabilised in recent weeks. European refineries are operating close to maximum capacity, and the Commission has stated that it is ready to convene the group again earlier than planned if conditions deteriorate. Source: European Commission

For quotations with a longer validity period, it remains crucial to separate the base freight rate from the fuel surcharge. Stable physical fuel availability limits the risk of immediate shortages, but it does not eliminate the risk of changes in transport procurement costs.

France: carriers announce mobilisation

French road haulage organisation OTRE announced on 29 September that the industry was mobilising in response to rising fuel costs. No date has yet been set for any action, but the organisation is calling for fuel cost increases to be passed on fully and fairly to customers and public contracting authorities.

OTRE is calling for a simpler, enforceable indexation mechanism based on Comité national routier indicators. It also highlights the need for harmonised price revision clauses in public contracts. For the market, this means both a risk of operational disruption and stronger pressure from carriers to move away from fixed all-in rates. Source: OTRE

Freight forwarders purchasing capacity in France should confirm that subcontractors are ready to fulfil transport orders and check whether contracts set out clear fuel adjustment rules.

Switzerland: 4G devices only from 1 October

DKV Mobility is disabling Swiss road-toll services on DKV BOX EUROPE devices operating on 2G technology at midnight on 30 September. From 1 October, journeys in Switzerland will require a device supporting 4G or an alternative payment process.

Carriers without a compliant device can use the online shop of the Swiss Federal Office for Customs and Border Security. A journey can be booked there up to five days before travel, and mileage data can be corrected after the journey has ended. Network changes in France, the Netherlands and Germany are scheduled for later, but in Switzerland the operational deadline takes effect immediately. Source: DKV Mobility

Assigning a load through Switzerland without checking the on-board device in advance creates a risk of incorrect toll settlement and delays to the transport operation.

Germany: weekend exemptions for loads replacing waterway transport

Several German federal states are extending until 31 October the exemptions from Sunday and public-holiday driving bans for heavy goods vehicles carrying loads connected with low water levels. Baden-Württemberg confirmed the extension on 28 September, while similar concessions remain in place in North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland and parts of the northern states, among others.

The exemption is not a blanket derogation from the ban. It applies only to goods directly or indirectly linked to the effects of low water levels and to transport replacing loads that cannot be moved by waterway or can be moved only to a limited extent. Source: Baden-Württemberg Source: Tagesschau

Planning Sunday loading or delivery therefore requires documentation and confirmation from the carrier that the specific transport qualifies.

In brief

• Nordics–Mediterranean: On 29 September, Nurminen Logistics and Tarros launched a two-way, bookable door-to-door intermodal service. It links the Örebro–Parma block train, operating twice a week in each direction, with Tarros’ network via La Spezia; the declared rail transit time is 2.5–3 days. The service covers rail, road, terminals, freight forwarding, customs clearance and sea legs. Source: Nurminen Logistics / Tarros
• Italy: From 28 September, Eni introduced a maximum diesel price of 2,19 EUR/l for an initial 30-day period across the Enilive network. The cap applies to this network, not the entire Italian market, so it should not by itself form the basis for a general fuel surcharge adjustment. Source: Eni