Belgian Gasoline Prices Surge Past €2, Highest Since 2022
The official maximum price for gasoline 95 (E10) in Belgium will rise by 9.2 eurocents to €2.058 per liter on Thursday, September 3, marking the highest level since July 2022, according to the Federal Public Service Economy (FOD Economie). The increase reflects sustained pressure on global energy markets driven by the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Diesel prices are also climbing. The maximum price for diesel (B7) will rise by 14.5 eurocents to €2.386 per liter, though this remains below the April peak of approximately €2.489 per liter. A full 50-liter tank of gasoline will now cost around €102.90, while the same volume of diesel will set drivers back roughly €119.30.
Broader Fuel Price Increases
The price adjustments extend beyond standard fuels. According to Redactie24, gasoline 98 (E5) will rise to €2.234 per liter, and heating oil prices will also increase, reaching €1.4473 per liter for orders of 2,000 liters or more and €1.4878 per liter for smaller quantities.
“Hogere dieselprijzen kunnen ook gevolgen hebben voor transportbedrijven, koeriersdiensten en andere ondernemingen die sterk afhankelijk zijn van wegtransport,” Redactie24 reports, noting that higher fuel costs for transport companies could ultimately feed through to the prices of goods and services.
Middle East Conflict Drives Energy Markets
The price surge is a direct consequence of the war that began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched military attacks on Iran. The conflict has severely disrupted global energy supply chains, with Iran claiming control over the Strait of Hormuz—a critical waterway through which approximately 20% of global oil production and 20% of global LNG supply passes.
Recent escalations have intensified market pressures. According to VRT NWS, the US conducted new airstrikes on multiple Iranian targets along the coast on September 1, prompting Iranian counterattacks. Oil prices jumped 4.5% to approximately $95 per barrel, while European gas prices broke through €70 per megawatt-hour.
Europe Faces Potential New Gas Crisis
The fuel price increases come amid mounting concerns about Europe’s energy security ahead of winter. As VRT NWS analysis by energy journalist Luc Pauwels notes, European gas reserves stand at only about 65% capacity—the lowest level for this time of year since records began in 2011, and even lower than during the 2021 gas crisis.
“Verontrustend, want Europa moet zijn wintervoorraden nog aanvullen,” Pauwels writes. “Die voorraden staan historisch laag, zelfs lager dan in de jaren 2021 en 2022, toen de gascrisis in alle hevigheid woedde. Een nieuw rampscenario lijkt in de maak.”
The Netherlands has confirmed it will not meet its winter gas storage targets, with reserves currently only 45.3% full. Belgium’s reserves stand at approximately 50%, though the country is somewhat insulated due to direct pipelines with the UK and Norway and its LNG terminal in Zeebrugge.
Impact on Belgian Consumers
The energy price surge is already affecting household budgets. Belgian inflation reached 3.97% in August 2026, driven primarily by energy costs, according to Business AM. Energy prices rose 16% in Belgium over Q2 2026, compared to an 8.8% average in neighboring countries.
New electricity contracts for an average Flemish family have risen to €1,359 per year—the highest since July 2023—while new gas contracts have climbed to €1,780 per year. Consumer organization Test-Aankoop has been tracking the impact of the conflict on Belgian energy prices since its outbreak, warning that prolonged instability could push prices higher still.
What to Watch For
The trajectory of fuel prices in the coming weeks will depend largely on developments in the Middle East conflict. With European gas reserves critically low and winter approaching, energy experts warn that households could face sustained high prices. Energy expert Hans van Cleef of EqoLibrium cautioned: “Ik ben niet zozeer bang voor fysieke tekorten, maar vooral voor hele hoge prijzen en de energiearmoede die daaruit kan voortvloeien.”
The federal government approved up to €80 million in energy support in May, primarily targeting commuters and social heating funds, but whether further measures will be needed remains an open question as the conflict shows no signs of abating.