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Fuel prices at gas stations will rise by 1.5 hryvnias starting January 1, 2026: reasons

Вартість пального на автозаправках зросте на 1.5 гривні з 1 січня 2026 року: що стоїть за цим рішенням. Photo: Life Kiyv

Ukrainians have been warned about a new fuel price increase effective January 1, 2026. According to the director of the consulting group 'A-95', Serhiy Kuyn, the price of gasoline may rise by 1.5 hryvnias per liter. This is due to changes in the tax legislation and the situation in European markets. Life Kiyv reports.

How much gasoline and diesel will increase in price from 2026

According to analysts' forecasts, prices for major gasoline brands — A-95 and A-92 — are expected to rise by an average of 1–1.5 UAH/liter, while the increase in diesel fuel will be less noticeable.

«The price increase is associated with higher excise duties and seasonal fluctuations in demand. Logistics costs traditionally rise in winter, and the Ukrainian market responds to fluctuations in oil quotes in Europe», — explained Kuyn.

Reasons for fuel price increase in winter 2026

The main factors affecting fuel prices:

  • Increase in excise duty. Changes to the tax code come into effect at the beginning of the year, which raise excise tax rates.

  • Seasonal demand. In winter, the costs for the transportation and storage of fuel increase.

  • European oil prices. Ukraine imports a substantial portion of its fuel, thus responding to fluctuations in European markets.

As a result, the average price of gasoline may reach 59–60 UAH per liter, while diesel fuel may cost 57–58 UAH/liter, depending on the region and gas station networks.

Experts advise Ukrainians to refuel at the end of December while current prices are still in effect, considering the upcoming price increase when planning expenses after the holidays. Thus, at the beginning of 2026, drivers will feel another wave of rising fuel costs due to tax innovations and market changes.

Previously, we reported that fuel prices in Ukraine may decrease if oil continues to cheapen in global markets.