European Petrol Taxes: The Netherlands Leads, EU Averages 47%

European drivers are paying record prices for petrol, with taxes accounting for nearly half the cost at the pump. The EU average price for Euro-super 95 reached €2.063 per litre on 14 September, the highest since records began in 2005. The price surge follows the outbreak of war with Iran in late February, which disrupted energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rose from about $72 per barrel before the war to over $100 for next-month delivery. Refining margins added €0.17 per litre of petrol in the euro area, according to ECB estimates. Across the EU, taxes averaged €0.976 per litre, or 47.3% of the pump price. The Netherlands has the highest tax bill at €1.270 per litre, followed by Denmark at €1.230 and Finland at €1.193. Germany, France, and Italy also exceed €1 per litre in taxes.