Have you stocked up recently? So you may have noticed a rather strange phenomenon at the pump: the price of diesel is falling while that of gasoline is increasing.
This counterintuitive trend, which occurs in a context of global economic fluctuations, is nevertheless logical. LJG explains why…
The decline in diesel versus the rise in gasoline
Diesel fuel in constant decline
Diesel is showing a downward trend, with an average price recently falling to 1.8011 euros per liter.
This fourth consecutive week of decline allows us to return to a level almost equivalent to those observed earlier in the year, in May and June when prices reached 1,6655 euros / L.
However, the pattern is not at all the same for those who run on gasoline…
Gasoline climbs despite expectations
Gasoline, notably SP95-E10, shows a slight increase, reaching 1.8189 euros per liter.
This upward trend, observed since the beginning of October 2023, contrasts with the lower prices of 1.7895 euros at the start of the yearindicating relative stability but with an upward tilt.
Although these price movements are easily observable, it is however more complicated to explain what they are due to.
The price of gasoline to fill up my Peugeot has become very expensive. pic.twitter.com/jZ0TyPRnDi
— Lieutenant COLUMBO ???????? (@Lt_Columbo_Off) November 20, 2023
Fall or rise in fuel prices: a movement linked to oil market forces
Fall in oil barrel prices: Direct impact on the price of diesel
The drop in crude oil prices, illustrated by the barrel of Brent at $82.4, seems to have a direct impact on diesel.
This correlation highlights the sensitivity of the price of diesel to movements in the oil market.
Resistance of gasoline to trends
On the other hand, gasoline prices do not follow this downward trend in crude oil, remaining stable or increasing slightly. This phenomenon suggests that other factors, beyond crude prices, influence the cost of gasoline.
But which ones?
High gasoline prices, low barrel prices: how can this be explained?
The influence of geopolitics and tax policies
Geopolitical tensions, production cuts in Saudi Arabia and Russia, and various tax policies have a distinct impact on gasoline and diesel prices.
These elements contribute to the complexity of analyzing price trends.
Impact on consumers
Variations in the supply chain, along with taxes and refining and distribution costs, cause a delay in crude price fluctuations being reflected in pump prices.
Consumers therefore experience these effects differently depending on the type of fuel used.
Fuel prices: constant uncertainty
Faced with this complex situation, consumers and analysts remain vigilant regarding the future evolution of fuel prices. As the oil market continues to be influenced by global factors, the question remains: how will pump prices evolve in the months to come?
My name is Michael. I am a journalist for LeJourGuinée where I analyze and break down current events in order to provide you with articles that will allow you to have as nuanced and fair an understanding of global issues as possible. Passionate about creating bridges between stories and people, I joined this site to practice interactive journalism, where each article is an open dialogue with the reader.
