Change of diesel price in selected countries 2019-2020

This statistic shows the change in the price of automotive diesel per liter in selected countries for the period between June 2019 and June 2020. The price changes exclude value added taxes from prices for automotive diesel. In June 2020, the diesel price per liter in the United States was 22.1 percent lower than it was in June 2019.

Change in the price of automotive diesel

There are many types of diesel, most commonly a fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil, all of which are constantly being developed and adapted for the industry. As of 2006, almost all of the petroleum-based diesel fuels in Europe and North America are an ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD). Using ULSD will promote more strict emission technologies for diesel engines and lower-emission fuels. Diesel is used for vehicles with diesel engines. Unlike gas engines, diesel engines usually inject diesel directly into the cylinder to continue combustion and thus, move the piston. Due to high compression ratios, diesel engines are often more efficient than conventional gasoline engines. However, diesel can convert into a gel-like substance in colder temperatures, preventing movement through the fuel systems.

Diesel has a higher volumetric energy density than conventional gasoline, which is important for fuel efficiency. During colder seasons, the price of diesel tends to rise as demand for heating oil also increases. In the U.S., diesel cars only account for approximately three percent of the car market. Meanwhile, in Europe, some 28 percent of passenger cars purchased in the first quarter of 2020 were diesel fueled.