In Spain the temporary tax discount on diesel fuel is due to expire on 30 September 2026 . This is set out in the Real Decreto-ley 18/2026 of 29 June 2026 and accompanying guidance from the Agencia Tributaria . No extension beyond this date has yet been approved. The government introduced the measure in stages and made it sector-specific in part; it did not apply at the same rate to all consumers or in every month.
According to the latest figures from the Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico , average diesel prices have risen in recent weeks and in some cases are once again at or above levels seen before the discounts. The end of the relief would therefore immediately increase direct costs at the pump for eligible users, unless the base price falls.
A worked example illustrates the scale for households: someone driving around 880 kilometres a month and averaging six litres per 100 kilometres needs about 53 litres of diesel. If a discount of up to €0.20 per litre ends, the monthly bill rises by just over ten euros and the annual cost by around €127, assuming the starting price remains unchanged. The effect will be higher or lower depending on mileage and fuel consumption.
In the Logistikbranche the impact is greater. Lorries cover very long distances each year, so rising diesel prices quickly feed through into transport costs and can affect consumer prices across supply chains. Industry associations warn of price increases, particularly for food, building materials and other everyday goods.
The government has said it is considering extending the relief if international prices make this necessary. However, no formal decision has been made. If the measure expires, eligible users will lose the price buffer currently in place; there will be no immediate change for groups that do not benefit from it. The overall impact on inflation will depend not only on crude oil and refined-product prices, but also on competition, stock levels and companies’ ability to pass on higher costs.
The legal position is clear: without a further decision, the temporary discount expires on 30 September 2026. Guidance and forms from the Agencia Tributaria set out eligibility, procedures and deadlines for affected sectors, including Straßengüterverkehr and parts of the agricultural sector.
Editor: Daniel Mayer (Article created with AI assistance).