Motorists across Ireland received some relief in July as the average prices of both petrol and diesel declined after several months of elevated fuel costs, according to the latest fuel price analysis from AA Ireland.
The report showed that diesel prices recorded the biggest monthly drop, falling to an average of €1.73 per litre in July from €1.88 per litre in June, a decrease of 15 cents. Petrol prices also moved lower, averaging €1.75 per litre compared with €1.84 per litre the previous month, representing a reduction of nine cents.
The lower prices come after a period of sustained increases that had placed additional pressure on household budgets and transport costs. While the latest figures offer some welcome relief for drivers, AA Ireland warned that fuel markets remain highly unpredictable and that prices could change again in the weeks ahead.
An AA Ireland spokesperson said motorists would welcome the decline in fuel costs following months of higher prices.
“While the decrease is encouraging, fuel prices remain influenced by international market conditions and can change quickly,” the spokesperson said.
According to the organisation, global oil supply, geopolitical tensions and movements in currency markets continue to play a significant role in determining fuel prices in Ireland. Although costs eased during July, these factors remain uncertain and could quickly reverse the recent downward trend.
The report also highlighted changes affecting electric vehicle owners. Electricity providers and public charging operators introduced revised pricing structures during July, resulting in higher charging costs for some drivers.
Electric Ireland implemented updated residential electricity prices, including adjustments to its Night Boost tariff, which is commonly used by electric vehicle owners who charge their vehicles overnight.
Meanwhile, ESB ecars introduced a new pricing model across its public charging network, dividing charging services into two categories based on charging speed. The revised structure applies separate rates for chargers delivering up to 50kW, including AC charging, and faster chargers providing more than 50kW through DC fast and high-power charging.
Under the updated pricing, pay-as-you-go customers using the faster charging network saw prices rise by between six and eight cents per kilowatt-hour from July 1.
AA Ireland estimated that drivers charging a 77kWh Volkswagen ID.4 battery from 10% to 80% using the higher-speed charging network would pay between €3.24 and €4.31 more per charging session under the revised rates.
The changes mean that while motorists using petrol and diesel vehicles are benefiting from lower fuel prices this month, some electric vehicle owners may face higher operating costs when relying on public fast-charging infrastructure.
AA Ireland said developments in international energy markets will continue to determine whether the recent reductions at fuel pumps can be sustained, with geopolitical uncertainty and fluctuations in oil supplies remaining key factors influencing prices in the months ahead.
