We are still annoyed by the fuel prices

We are still annoyed by the fuel prices

Compared to the previous month of June, the energy price index (EPI) calculated by the Austrian Energy Agency rose by 2.2%; general inflation was also significantly lower here at 0.3%. Fuels in particular drive the energy price index, but their importance will decrease as mobility becomes more electrified. In July 2021, the price of diesel rose by 2.8% compared to the previous month and by 20.6% compared to July 2020. Prices for premium gasoline rose by 3.5% from June to July 2021, 23.2% higher than the previous year. A tank full of 50 liters of diesel cost 10 euros, with premium gasoline 12 euros more than a year ago.

Trend reversal in sight

"Due to their high weight in the calculation of the Austrian energy price index, fuels are of great importance for its development. This will change significantly in the future, because the path towards e-mobility is mapped out," analyzes Herbert Lechner, Managing Director of the Austrian Energy Agency. The stock is still heavily dominated by combustion engines and only 1.2% of vehicles are fully electric. "However, the trend is clear and points towards battery-electric vehicles. Since 2017, diesel cars have recorded significant market losses, from which petrol cars briefly benefited - but new registrations are now also pointing downwards. In contrast, more purely electric cars were registered in the first seven months of 2021 than in the whole of 2020. And politicians and major players in the car manufacturers are continuing to drive this development," emphasizes Lechner.