The market is entering a new price reality - what is happening and what to expect

Kyiv, 22 March 2026. Ukraine has seen a sharp rise in fuel prices. At the largest petrol station chains, diesel is already priced at almost UAH 90 per litre, while petrol is rapidly approaching the UAH 80 mark.

These are often fixed prices for 22 March:

• A-100 - 84.99 UAH
• diesel (premium) - UAH 89.99
• Euro diesel - UAH 86.99
• A-95 (premium) - UAH 77.99
• A-95 Euro - 74.99 UAH
• autogas - UAH 46.99

Details of the situation

The price increase occurred in just a few days. Just a week ago, A-95 petrol cost an average of UAH 69-72 per litre, and diesel was UAH 75-78.

Thus:

• petrol went up by UAH 5-8
• diesel - by UAH 10-12

Diesel fuel, which is critical for logistics, the agricultural sector and business, is rising particularly fast.

Why prices are rising

Geopolitics and oil

The main factor is the escalating situation in the Middle East. Oil prices have exceeded $100 per barrel, and the risks of supply disruptions are only growing.

Deficit in Europe

Ukraine imports fuel from the EU, which is already experiencing a shortage of diesel due to refinery repairs and supply restrictions.

Currency exchange rate and logistics

Fuel is purchased for foreign currency, so any exchange rate fluctuations directly affect the final price. The cost of delivery is also added.

Growth in demand

Strong demand from the agricultural, transport and energy sectors is putting additional pressure on prices.

Why diesel is rising in price faster

Diesel fuel is rising in price faster than petrol because of the:

• high demand from businesses
• deficit in Europe
• more complex logistics

It is diesel that is the first to respond to the crisis - and now it has almost reached the critical mark of UAH 90 per litre.

Forecast: what's next

Short-term (1-2 weeks)

• petrol - 80-85 UAH/l
• diesel - 85-95 UAH/l

Medium-term

In the event of further escalation on the global markets, prices could approach UAH 100 per litre.

Impact on the economy

The rise in fuel prices will have direct consequences:

• rising food prices
• rise in transport costs
• increased inflation
• pressure on business

In fact, fuel remains a basic element of the economy, and its rise in price triggers a chain reaction.

What Ukrainians should do

Experts advise:

• refuel in advance, if possible
• compare prices at different petrol stations
• consider switching to gas
• optimise trips

Context.

Ukraine's fuel market is completely dependent on imports, making it particularly vulnerable to global crises. The current price increase is the result of the simultaneous influence of geopolitics, shortages and domestic demand.

Conclusion.

22 March 2026 was a turning point for the fuel market. Premium filling stations are already demonstrating a new level of prices, and in the near future, these figures may become the standard for the whole country.