Petrol and diesel more expensive despite tax relief. Drivers may pay up to NOK 1,150 more
Petrol and diesel prices in Norway increased in July despite tax reductions. The Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF) warns that after the relief ends on September 1, drivers may see significantly higher prices at the pumps. According to the organization’s calculations, the return of taxes means additional expenses of around NOK 1,150 by the end of the year.
It is still unclear whether parliamentarians will reach an agreement.
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In July 2026, diesel cost an average of NOK 20.25 per liter. Data from Statistics Norway (SSB) shows that the average price of petrol in the same month was NOK 19.59 per liter. Both fuels were more expensive than in June. This happened despite the ongoing tax reduction, which lowers the amount drivers pay at the pump.
Fuels are more expensive. Relief limits price increases
The price of diesel currently sold without tax was at a similar level in July as it was a year ago. Petrol, on the other hand, cost just over NOK 1 less than in July last year, according to data cited by NAF. The organization points to the importance of the current relief. According to Ingunn Handagard, NAF’s press spokesperson, the tax exemption helps keep fuel prices lower for consumers.
The difference becomes greater when taxes are included. According to NAF, diesel would have cost around NOK 24.51 per liter in July, and petrol around NOK 24, if standard charges applied. These are levels close to the average prices from March this year. At that time, prices at the pump occasionally reached around NOK 30 per liter.
The difference becomes greater when taxes are included. According to NAF, diesel would have cost around NOK 24.51 per liter in July, and petrol around NOK 24, if standard charges applied. These are levels close to the average prices from March this year. At that time, prices at the pump occasionally reached around NOK 30 per liter.
Fuel prices are one of the most popular topics among both politicians and journalists.Photo: Rawpixel
Relief ends in September. Costs may rise significantly
The tax reduction is set to end on September 1. NAF fears that, at current price levels, its termination could lead to a significant increase in drivers’ bills at fuel stations. Handagard points out that it is still too early to talk about price normalization. NAF declares that if prices continue to rise, it expects politicians to take swift new action.
The organization also estimated costs from September to the end of December. With moderate fuel consumption, taxes would increase the expenses of a petrol car user by about NOK 1,150, and for diesel by about NOK 940. In the calculation for petrol, the total cost rises from NOK 5,093.4 without tax to NOK 6,240 after tax is included. For diesel, it is NOK 4,455 and NOK 5,392.2, respectively.
The organization also estimated costs from September to the end of December. With moderate fuel consumption, taxes would increase the expenses of a petrol car user by about NOK 1,150, and for diesel by about NOK 940. In the calculation for petrol, the total cost rises from NOK 5,093.4 without tax to NOK 6,240 after tax is included. For diesel, it is NOK 4,455 and NOK 5,392.2, respectively.
NAF’s calculations assume driving 1,000 km per month from September to December. Fuel consumption was set at 0.065 liters per kilometer for petrol cars and 0.055 liters per kilometer for diesel. The basis for the calculation is the average fuel prices from July 2026.
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