Business · Energy & Commodities · 11 hrs ago
Why petrol prices can rise even as Brent crude falls
Petrol prices can rise even when Brent crude falls.
In Italy, changes in crude oil prices do not pass through to drivers at the same speed in both directions.
Fuel prices tend to rise quickly when oil gets more expensive.
When oil prices fall, pump prices adjust more slowly.
Limited refining capacity is one reason for the delay.
Value-added tax and excise duties also affect what drivers pay.
The result is that lower crude prices do not mean immediate relief at the pump.
Petrol prices can rise even when Brent crude falls.
Fuel prices rise quickly when oil prices increase, but adjust slowly when oil prices fall.
The article attributes the slow adjustment to lower refining capacity and VAT and excise duties.
Money.it published the article on 16 October 2026.
- Who
- Not stated
- What
- Petrol prices can rise even as Brent crude falls. Fuel prices are said to adjust slowly when oil prices decline.
- When
- 16 October 2026, the article's publication date.
- Where
- At the pump.
- Why
- The article points to lower refining capacity and VAT and excise duties.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Article date
- 16 October 2026
- Price pattern
- Fuel prices rise quickly when oil prices increase
- Price adjustment
- Fuel prices adjust slowly when oil prices fall
- Factors cited
- Lower refining capacity, VAT and excise duties
What people are saying
When oil rises, the price of fuels increases immediately, but when it falls, the adjustment is slow: lower refining capacity and VAT and excise duties are involved.