Press · Data story

Fuel prices vs wages: what a full tank costs as a share of net pay

A 50-litre tank of petrol costs 8.2% of a month’s net pay for an average earner in Romania and 2.0% in Luxembourg; for the EU-27 as a whole it is 4.2%. Prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin of 21 Sep 2026. Pay: Eurostat, 2025, a single person without children on the average wage.

Key numbers · Bulletin of 21 Sep 2026 · pay 2025

  • 8.2%Romania: highest share in the EUPetrol, 50 L: €94.55 vs net pay of €1,156.45 a month (2025) · diesel, 50 L: 9.0% of net pay
  • 2.0%Luxembourg: lowest share in the EUPetrol, 50 L: €92.45 vs net pay of €4,656.38 a month (2025) · diesel, 50 L: 2.3% of net pay
  • 4.2%EU-27: petrol tank vs net payPetrol, 50 L: €104.60 vs net pay of €2,496.13 a month (2025) · diesel, 50 L: 4.5% of net pay
  • 28.2 LLitres of petrol a day’s net pay buys in RomaniaLuxembourg: 116.2 L · EU-27: 55.1 L · annual net pay (2025) ÷ 260 working days ÷ price per litre (21 Sep 2026)

Prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin (European Commission), 21 Sep 2026 · Net pay: Eurostat, 2025, average earner, single, no children · EU-27 = the Commission’s weighted price ÷ Eurostat’s EU-27 pay · Not adjusted for price levels (no PPS)

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The numbers

Every country in one table. Click a column heading to sort

Bulletin of 21 Sep 2026

Petrol

A 50-litre tank of petrol as a share of a month’s net pay. Prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin of 21 Sep 2026, € per litre with taxes. Net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage, € a month (annual ÷ 12, to the cent, so the share can be recomputed from the figures shown).
EU-27 (weighted)€2.092€104.60€2,496.134.2%55.1
Romania€1.891€94.55€1,156.458.2%28.2
Bulgaria€1.663€83.15€1,204.166.9%33.4
Hungary€1.752€87.60€1,286.006.8%33.9
Croatia€1.796€89.80€1,407.666.4%36.2
Latvia€1.997€99.85€1,586.296.3%36.7
Slovakia€1.853€92.65€1,508.056.1%37.6
Greece€2.197€109.85€1,791.526.1%37.6
Lithuania€1.950€97.50€1,591.056.1%37.7
Portugal€2.107€105.35€1,787.425.9%39.2
Poland€1.820€91.00€1,590.535.7%40.3
Czechia€1.884€94.20€1,741.745.4%42.7
Estonia€1.917€95.85€1,878.125.1%45.2
Italy€2.141€107.05€2,315.644.6%49.9
Spain€1.928€96.40€2,253.394.3%53.9
Slovenia€1.706€85.30€2,022.974.2%54.7
France€2.219€110.95€2,695.504.1%56.1
Germany€2.348€117.40€3,044.563.9%59.8
Finland€2.364€118.20€3,140.803.8%61.3
Netherlands€2.449€122.45€3,399.453.6%64.1
Cyprus€1.677€83.85€2,361.653.6%65.0
Denmark petrol: net of discounts€2.618€130.90€3,785.803.5%66.7
Belgium€1.988€99.40€3,034.543.3%70.5
Malta fixed price€1.340€67.00€2,106.073.2%72.5
Austria€1.925€96.25€3,528.912.7%84.6
Ireland€1.945€97.25€3,918.902.5%93.0
Sweden tax cuts€1.579€78.95€3,245.802.4%94.9
Luxembourg€1.849€92.45€4,656.382.0%116.2
  • fixed price — Malta: one government-fixed pump price at every station, unchanged since 15 Jun 2020.
  • tax cuts — Sweden: temporary fuel-tax cuts in force (energy tax until 30 Sep 2026, CO₂ tax until 30 Nov 2026).
  • petrol: net of discounts — Denmark (petrol): the Bulletin figure is current consumer prices minus the previous quarter’s average discounts, not a survey of pump prices.
  • Sorted by the petrol share, highest first; the EU-27 row stays on top. EU-27 = the Commission’s consumption-weighted average price ÷ Eurostat’s EU-27 net pay (weighted by employees).

Diesel

A 50-litre tank of diesel as a share of a month’s net pay. Prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin of 21 Sep 2026, € per litre with taxes. Net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage, € a month (annual ÷ 12, to the cent, so the share can be recomputed from the figures shown).
EU-27 (weighted)€2.226€111.30€2,496.134.5%51.8
Romania€2.093€104.65€1,156.459.0%25.5
Bulgaria€1.916€95.80€1,204.168.0%29.0
Hungary€1.957€97.85€1,286.007.6%30.3
Lithuania€2.258€112.90€1,591.057.1%32.5
Croatia€1.975€98.75€1,407.667.0%32.9
Latvia€2.169€108.45€1,586.296.8%33.8
Slovakia€1.950€97.50€1,508.056.5%35.7
Poland€2.039€101.95€1,590.536.4%36.0
Greece€2.224€111.20€1,791.526.2%37.2
Portugal€2.210€110.50€1,787.426.2%37.3
Czechia€2.071€103.55€1,741.745.9%38.8
Estonia€2.113€105.65€1,878.125.6%41.0
Italy€2.281€114.05€2,315.644.9%46.9
Slovenia€1.975€98.75€2,022.974.9%47.3
France€2.383€119.15€2,695.504.4%52.2
Spain€1.918€95.90€2,253.394.3%54.2
Cyprus€1.948€97.40€2,361.654.1%56.0
Finland€2.555€127.75€3,140.804.1%56.7
Germany€2.457€122.85€3,044.564.0%57.2
Belgium€2.387€119.35€3,034.543.9%58.7
Netherlands€2.579€128.95€3,399.453.8%60.8
Denmark€2.555€127.75€3,785.803.4%68.4
Sweden tax cuts€2.090€104.50€3,245.803.2%71.7
Austria€2.238€111.90€3,528.913.2%72.8
Malta fixed price€1.210€60.50€2,106.072.9%80.3
Ireland€2.050€102.50€3,918.902.6%88.2
Luxembourg€2.114€105.70€4,656.382.3%101.7
  • fixed price — Malta: one government-fixed pump price at every station, unchanged since 15 Jun 2020.
  • tax cuts — Sweden: temporary fuel-tax cuts in force (energy tax until 30 Sep 2026, CO₂ tax until 30 Nov 2026).
  • Sorted by the diesel share, highest first; the EU-27 row stays on top. EU-27 = the Commission’s consumption-weighted average price ÷ Eurostat’s EU-27 net pay (weighted by employees).
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Chart

Drawn from the same data as the table

Petrol

A 50-litre tank of petrol as a share of a month’s net payA 50-litre tank of petrol as a share of a month’s net pay in 26 EU countries, from 8.2% in Romania to 2.0% in Luxembourg; EU-27 4.2%. Prices of 21 Sep 2026, net pay 2025.A 50-litre tank of petrol as a share of a month’s net payAverage earner, single, no children · net pay 2025 (Eurostat) · petrol prices of 21 Sep 2026 (EU Weekly Oil Bulletin) ·in eurosRomania8.2%Bulgaria6.9%Hungary6.8%Croatia6.4%Latvia6.3%Slovakia6.1%Greece6.1%Lithuania6.1%Portugal5.9%Poland5.7%Czechia5.4%Estonia5.1%Italy4.6%Spain4.3%EU-274.2%Slovenia4.2%France4.1%Finland3.8%Netherlands3.6%Cyprus3.6%Denmark ‡3.5%Belgium3.3%Malta *3.2%Austria2.7%Ireland2.5%Sweden †2.4%Luxembourg2.0%Source: fuel-prices.eu · data: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin (European Commission), prices of 21 Sep 2026; Eurostatearn_nt_net, net pay 2025. * Malta: government-fixed pump price. † Sweden: temporary fuel-tax cuts (energy tax to 30Sep, CO₂ tax to 30 Nov 2026). ‡ Denmark: Bulletin petrol figure net of average discounts. 26 of the 27 EU countriesshown; all 27 are in the table.fuel-prices.eu
A 50-litre tank of petrol as a share of a month’s net payA 50-litre tank of petrol as a share of a month’s net pay in 26 EU countries, from 8.2% in Romania to 2.0% in Luxembourg; EU-27 4.2%. Prices of 21 Sep 2026, net pay 2025.A 50-litre tank of petrol as a share ofa month’s net payAverage earner, single, no children · net pay 2025(Eurostat) · petrol prices of 21 Sep 2026 (EU Weekly OilBulletin) · in eurosRomania8.2%Bulgaria6.9%Hungary6.8%Croatia6.4%Latvia6.3%Slovakia6.1%Greece6.1%Lithuania6.1%Portugal5.9%Poland5.7%Czechia5.4%Estonia5.1%Italy4.6%Spain4.3%EU-274.2%Slovenia4.2%France4.1%Finland3.8%Netherlands3.6%Cyprus3.6%Denmark ‡3.5%Belgium3.3%Malta *3.2%Austria2.7%Ireland2.5%Sweden †2.4%Luxembourg2.0%Source: fuel-prices.eu · data: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin (EuropeanCommission), prices of 21 Sep 2026; Eurostat earn_nt_net, net pay2025. * Malta: government-fixed pump price. † Sweden: temporaryfuel-tax cuts (energy tax to 30 Sep, CO₂ tax to 30 Nov 2026). ‡Denmark: Bulletin petrol figure net of average discounts. 26 ofthe 27 EU countries shown; all 27 are in the table.fuel-prices.eu
Bars: the cost of 50 litres as a percentage of a month’s net pay (annual net pay 2025 ÷ 12), prices of 21 Sep 2026. EU-27 bar: the Commission’s weighted average price ÷ Eurostat’s EU-27 net pay. Grey bars: countries to read with care (see Methodology).

Diesel

A 50-litre tank of diesel as a share of a month’s net payA 50-litre tank of diesel as a share of a month’s net pay in 26 EU countries, from 9.0% in Romania to 2.3% in Luxembourg; EU-27 4.5%. Prices of 21 Sep 2026, net pay 2025.A 50-litre tank of diesel as a share of a month’s net payAverage earner, single, no children · net pay 2025 (Eurostat) · diesel prices of 21 Sep 2026 (EU Weekly Oil Bulletin) ·in eurosRomania9.0%Bulgaria8.0%Hungary7.6%Lithuania7.1%Croatia7.0%Latvia6.8%Slovakia6.5%Poland6.4%Greece6.2%Portugal6.2%Czechia5.9%Estonia5.6%Italy4.9%Slovenia4.9%EU-274.5%France4.4%Spain4.3%Cyprus4.1%Finland4.1%Belgium3.9%Netherlands3.8%Denmark3.4%Sweden †3.2%Austria3.2%Malta *2.9%Ireland2.6%Luxembourg2.3%Source: fuel-prices.eu · data: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin (European Commission), prices of 21 Sep 2026; Eurostatearn_nt_net, net pay 2025. * Malta: government-fixed pump price. † Sweden: temporary fuel-tax cuts (energy tax to 30Sep, CO₂ tax to 30 Nov 2026). 26 of the 27 EU countries shown; all 27 are in the table.fuel-prices.eu
A 50-litre tank of diesel as a share of a month’s net payA 50-litre tank of diesel as a share of a month’s net pay in 26 EU countries, from 9.0% in Romania to 2.3% in Luxembourg; EU-27 4.5%. Prices of 21 Sep 2026, net pay 2025.A 50-litre tank of diesel as a share ofa month’s net payAverage earner, single, no children · net pay 2025(Eurostat) · diesel prices of 21 Sep 2026 (EU Weekly OilBulletin) · in eurosRomania9.0%Bulgaria8.0%Hungary7.6%Lithuania7.1%Croatia7.0%Latvia6.8%Slovakia6.5%Poland6.4%Greece6.2%Portugal6.2%Czechia5.9%Estonia5.6%Italy4.9%Slovenia4.9%EU-274.5%France4.4%Spain4.3%Cyprus4.1%Finland4.1%Belgium3.9%Netherlands3.8%Denmark3.4%Sweden †3.2%Austria3.2%Malta *2.9%Ireland2.6%Luxembourg2.3%Source: fuel-prices.eu · data: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin (EuropeanCommission), prices of 21 Sep 2026; Eurostat earn_nt_net, net pay2025. * Malta: government-fixed pump price. † Sweden: temporaryfuel-tax cuts (energy tax to 30 Sep, CO₂ tax to 30 Nov 2026). 26of the 27 EU countries shown; all 27 are in the table.fuel-prices.eu
Bars: the cost of 50 litres as a percentage of a month’s net pay (annual net pay 2025 ÷ 12), prices of 21 Sep 2026. EU-27 bar: the Commission’s weighted average price ÷ Eurostat’s EU-27 net pay. Grey bars: countries to read with care (see Methodology).

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Highest, lowest and the EU

A 50-litre tank of petrol costs 8.2% of a month’s net pay for an average earner in Romania, the highest share in the EU, and 2.0% in Luxembourg, the lowest (petrol prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

For diesel, a 50-litre tank costs 9.0% of a month’s net pay for an average earner in Romania, the highest share in the EU, and 2.3% in Luxembourg, the lowest (diesel prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Across the EU, a 50-litre tank costs 4.2% of average net monthly pay for petrol and 4.5% for diesel (European Commission weighted EU-27 average prices, 21 September 2026; Eurostat EU-27 average net earnings, 2025; via fuel-prices.eu).

A day’s net pay buys 28.2 litres of petrol in Romania and 116.2 litres in Luxembourg (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; petrol prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Your country

Austria

In Austria, a 50-litre tank costs 2.7% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 3.2% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

In Austria, a day’s net pay buys 84.6 litres of petrol or 72.8 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Belgium

In Belgium, a 50-litre tank costs 3.3% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 3.9% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

In Belgium, a day’s net pay buys 70.5 litres of petrol or 58.7 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, a 50-litre tank costs 6.9% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 8.0% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

In Bulgaria, a day’s net pay buys 33.4 litres of petrol or 29.0 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Croatia

In Croatia, a 50-litre tank costs 6.4% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 7.0% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

In Croatia, a day’s net pay buys 36.2 litres of petrol or 32.9 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Cyprus

In Cyprus, a 50-litre tank costs 3.6% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 4.1% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

In Cyprus, a day’s net pay buys 65.0 litres of petrol or 56.0 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Czechia

In Czechia, a 50-litre tank costs 5.4% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 5.9% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

In Czechia, a day’s net pay buys 42.7 litres of petrol or 38.8 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Denmark

In Denmark, a 50-litre tank costs 3.5% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 3.4% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu). Denmark’s Bulletin figure for petrol is the consumer price minus average discounts.

In Denmark, a day’s net pay buys 66.7 litres of petrol or 68.4 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu). Denmark’s Bulletin figure for petrol is the consumer price minus average discounts.

Estonia

In Estonia, a 50-litre tank costs 5.1% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 5.6% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

In Estonia, a day’s net pay buys 45.2 litres of petrol or 41.0 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Finland

In Finland, a 50-litre tank costs 3.8% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 4.1% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

In Finland, a day’s net pay buys 61.3 litres of petrol or 56.7 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

France

In France, a 50-litre tank costs 4.1% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 4.4% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

In France, a day’s net pay buys 56.1 litres of petrol or 52.2 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Greece

In Greece, a 50-litre tank costs 6.1% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 6.2% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

In Greece, a day’s net pay buys 37.6 litres of petrol or 37.2 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Hungary

In Hungary, a 50-litre tank costs 6.8% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 7.6% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

In Hungary, a day’s net pay buys 33.9 litres of petrol or 30.3 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Ireland

In Ireland, a 50-litre tank costs 2.5% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 2.6% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

In Ireland, a day’s net pay buys 93.0 litres of petrol or 88.2 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Italy

In Italy, a 50-litre tank costs 4.6% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 4.9% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

In Italy, a day’s net pay buys 49.9 litres of petrol or 46.9 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Latvia

In Latvia, a 50-litre tank costs 6.3% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 6.8% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

In Latvia, a day’s net pay buys 36.7 litres of petrol or 33.8 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Lithuania

In Lithuania, a 50-litre tank costs 6.1% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 7.1% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

In Lithuania, a day’s net pay buys 37.7 litres of petrol or 32.5 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, a 50-litre tank costs 2.0% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 2.3% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

In Luxembourg, a day’s net pay buys 116.2 litres of petrol or 101.7 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Malta

In Malta, a 50-litre tank costs 3.2% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 2.9% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu). Malta’s pump prices are fixed by the government.

In Malta, a day’s net pay buys 72.5 litres of petrol or 80.3 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu). Malta’s pump prices are fixed by the government.

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, a 50-litre tank costs 3.6% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 3.8% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

In the Netherlands, a day’s net pay buys 64.1 litres of petrol or 60.8 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Poland

In Poland, a 50-litre tank costs 5.7% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 6.4% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

In Poland, a day’s net pay buys 40.3 litres of petrol or 36.0 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Portugal

In Portugal, a 50-litre tank costs 5.9% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 6.2% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

In Portugal, a day’s net pay buys 39.2 litres of petrol or 37.3 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Romania

In Romania, a 50-litre tank costs 8.2% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 9.0% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

In Romania, a day’s net pay buys 28.2 litres of petrol or 25.5 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Slovakia

In Slovakia, a 50-litre tank costs 6.1% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 6.5% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

In Slovakia, a day’s net pay buys 37.6 litres of petrol or 35.7 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Slovenia

In Slovenia, a 50-litre tank costs 4.2% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 4.9% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

In Slovenia, a day’s net pay buys 54.7 litres of petrol or 47.3 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Spain

In Spain, a 50-litre tank costs 4.3% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 4.3% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

In Spain, a day’s net pay buys 53.9 litres of petrol or 54.2 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu).

Sweden

In Sweden, a 50-litre tank costs 2.4% of a month’s net pay for petrol and 3.2% for diesel, against 4.2% and 4.5% for the EU-27 (prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu). Sweden’s fuel taxes are temporarily cut (energy tax until 30 September 2026, CO₂ tax until 30 November 2026).

In Sweden, a day’s net pay buys 94.9 litres of petrol or 71.7 litres of diesel, against 55.1 and 51.8 litres for the EU-27 (annual net pay divided by 260 working days; prices: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, 21 September 2026; net pay: Eurostat, 2025, single person without children on the average wage; via fuel-prices.eu). Sweden’s fuel taxes are temporarily cut (energy tax until 30 September 2026, CO₂ tax until 30 November 2026).

4

Download

The table as CSV, the chart as PNG

  • Table: a 50-litre petrol tank as a share of net pay, all EU countries (21 Sep 2026 prices, 2025 pay)28 rows · comma-separated, UTF-8 · source and licence in the last linesCSV
  • Table: a 50-litre diesel tank as a share of net pay, all EU countries (21 Sep 2026 prices, 2025 pay)28 rows · comma-separated, UTF-8 · source and licence in the last linesCSV
  • Chart: petrol tank as a share of net payPNG, 1720 × 1582 px, in the colours on your screen (use the light/dark switch at the top to change them) · source written in the image
  • Chart: diesel tank as a share of net payPNG, 1720 × 1552 px, in the colours on your screen (use the light/dark switch at the top to change them) · source written in the image

Downloads contain exactly the figures on this page, with their dates and sources.

5

Methodology & caveats

Sources, definitions and what the numbers do not say

  • Share of net pay: price per litre × 50 ÷ (annual net pay ÷ 12) × 100. Litres a day’s pay buys: (annual net pay ÷ 260) ÷ price per litre. Shares are shown with one decimal; the CSV also has two.
  • Prices: national average pump prices with all taxes, for Euro-super 95 petrol and diesel, from the European Commission’s Weekly Oil Bulletin, prices of 21 Sep 2026. For countries outside the euro area the Commission converts the prices to euros.
  • Net pay: Eurostat, earn_nt_net (annual net earnings), 2025, in euros: a single person without children earning 100% of the average wage of workers in industry and services. Net means gross pay minus income tax and the employee’s social contributions. The figures are model calculations from each country’s tax rules (OECD method; compiled since 2024 by the Commission’s Joint Research Centre, which is why Eurostat marks a break in the series in 2024). Eurostat last updated the dataset on 4 September 2026.
  • EU-27: the Commission’s EU-27 average price, weighted by each country’s fuel consumption, divided by Eurostat’s EU-27 net pay, a weighted average by number of employees. It is not the simple average of the national shares.
  • Two different dates: pay is for 2025, the latest year Eurostat has published; prices are those of 21 Sep 2026. The share compares this week’s price with last year’s pay, so pay rises since 2025 are not in it.
  • One household type, not everyone’s pay: “average earner, single, no children” is Eurostat’s standard case. It is not the pay of every worker: people below the average wage, part-time workers, the self-employed and pensioners are not covered, and families with children also receive family benefits.
  • Currencies: everything is in euros. For the 6 countries outside the euro area, the price is converted at the Bulletin’s exchange rate and the 2025 pay at Eurostat’s, so exchange-rate moves since 2025 shift the share. If both are taken in national currency instead, the petrol shares are: Czechia 5.3% (5.4% in euros); Denmark 3.5% (3.5% in euros); Hungary 6.2% (6.8% in euros); Poland 5.9% (5.7% in euros); Romania 8.5% (8.2% in euros); Sweden 2.5% (2.4% in euros).
  • No PPS: the share compares a price with pay in the same country, so no purchasing-power adjustment is needed and none is applied. It is a different measure from comparisons with GDP per head in purchasing power standards (PPS).
  • Malta: one government-fixed pump price at every station, unchanged since 15 June 2020 (Enemed price list), so its share does not follow market prices.
  • Sweden: temporary cuts in fuel taxes lower its pump prices while they last: energy tax from 1 May to 30 September 2026 and CO₂ tax from 1 July to 30 November 2026 (Swedish Tax Agency: energy tax, CO₂ tax).
  • Denmark (petrol): the Bulletin figure is current consumer prices minus the previous quarter’s average discounts, not a survey of pump prices.
  • The tank and the working day: 50 litres is a typical fill for a compact car. 260 working days = 52 weeks × 5 days, with no deduction for holidays.
  • Coverage: all 27 EU countries covered by the Weekly Oil Bulletin. The chart shows 26 of them; the table and the CSV have all 27.
  • Updates: prices change with each Weekly Oil Bulletin (Monday prices, published by the Commission later in the week), and this page follows within minutes. Pay changes once a year, when Eurostat publishes a new year; the page then switches to it automatically.
6

How to cite

Credit line, link and licence

Credit line for articles, charts and broadcasts:

Source: fuel-prices.eu, based on the EU Weekly Oil Bulletin (European Commission) and Eurostat net earnings (earn_nt_net)

Online, please link the name:

Data: <a href="https://www.fuel-prices.eu/press/affordability/">fuel-prices.eu</a>, <a href="https://www.fuel-prices.eu/press/#cite">CC BY 4.0</a>

Full reference, for reports and papers:

fuel-prices.eu (2026). Fuel prices vs wages: what a full tank costs as a share of net pay. https://www.fuel-prices.eu/press/affordability/ (data: EU Weekly Oil Bulletin (European Commission), prices of 21 Sep 2026; Eurostat earn_nt_net, net earnings 2025; retrieved 27 September 2026).

Licence. Our tables, averages and charts are published under CC BY 4.0: you may reuse them, also commercially, if you credit fuel-prices.eu with a link. The underlying source data keep their own licences, listed on the press page.

Questions, or need the data in another format? Write to hi@fuel-prices.eu or use the press contact form.

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