Petrol Creeps Up, Diesel Eases Off in Mixed Week for Fuel
Fuel prices in Bulgaria showed mixed movements in early May, with petrol edging higher while diesel recorded a slight weekly decline, according to data from the Fuelo platform as of 11 May 2026.
Standard A95 petrol increased by €0.02 per litre over the past week, reaching €1.52 per litre on 7 May. The rise represents a 1.33% weekly increase. Over a longer stretch, the monthly climb exceeded €0.30 per litre, or more than 2%, pointing to steady upward pressure.
Premium A98 petrol followed the same direction, rising by €0.02 from €1.72 to €1.74 per litre in early May. The consistent increases across petrol grades suggest continued demand and market-driven adjustments.
Diesel moved the other way, easing by nearly 0.6% over the week. The fuel dropped from €1.79 to €1.78 per litre as of 11 May. Despite this short-term dip, diesel remains higher than in April, with the Fuelo data indicating a monthly increase of around €0.20 per litre, though exact April prices were not disclosed.
Freight Operators Keeping a Close Eye on Diesel
Industry observers note that diesel price movements are closely tracked by the transport sector, particularly freight operators, as fuel costs directly influence logistics expenses across Bulgaria and the wider Schengen area. Predictability in pricing remains a key concern for planning in cross-border transport operations.
The slight weekly relief in diesel prices will be welcome news for haulage firms, though the broader monthly trend suggests the respite may be temporary.
Alternative Fuels Up Over the Month
Alternative fuels remained stable over the week. Propane-butane prices held steady at €0.82 per litre, though they climbed by 2.5% over the past month.
Methane showed no weekly change, staying at €1.21 per kilogram, but recorded the strongest monthly increase among fuels at 3.42%, or about €0.40 per kilogram.
Market analysts describe the overall picture as one of short-term stability with underlying upward pressure in most fuel categories, particularly petrol and alternative fuels, while diesel shows temporary correction within a broader higher-price trend.
What This Means for British Expats
British expats in Bulgaria who drive regularly will see modest changes at the pump over the coming weeks. Petrol costs are inching up, while diesel offers slight weekly relief, though it remains elevated compared to April.
For Brits running businesses involving freight or transport, diesel's continued elevation matters. Logistics costs remain a factor in supply chain planning across the region, and watching the figures closely makes sense if you're budgeting for cross-border haulage or deliveries.
Those making longer journeys into neighbouring Schengen states may find Bulgaria's fuel price movements influence route planning and fuel-stop decisions, particularly if you're driving a diesel vehicle. The broader upward trend in alternative fuels also affects expats who've switched to propane or methane for cost reasons, with methane's 3.42% monthly rise the sharpest among all fuel types.
It's worth noting that all price data comes from the Fuelo platform via Novinite.com and has not been independently verified against official government statistics. If you're making significant business decisions based on fuel costs, checking multiple sources is advisable.