Fuel demand rises in Czech Republic despite soaring prices

Demand for fuel in the Czech Republic has increased despite a sharp rise in prices, the Czech Association of Petroleum Industry and Trade (CAPPO) said Monday.

“Consumption of diesel rose by roughly 25% during March compared to usual levels, while petrol demand increased by up to 15%,” CAPPO spokesperson Vaclav Loula said, Czech Radio reported.

He stressed that there is no risk of fuel shortages.

Analysts attribute the surge in demand to motorists stocking up in advance and to increased interest from drivers in neighboring countries, where fuel prices are higher.

The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively disrupted since early March due to the US-Israeli war against Iran. Around 20 million barrels of oil normally pass through it daily, representing roughly 20% of global supply. Its closure has pushed oil prices higher and raised fears of a prolonged economic disruption.

US President Donald Trump previously issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, threatening to strike its power plants if Tehran did not fully reopen the waterway, but later expanded the timeline, citing negotiations.

Demand for fuel in the Czech Republic has increased despite a sharp rise in prices, the Czech Association of Petroleum Industry and Trade (CAPPO) said Monday.

“Consumption of diesel rose by roughly 25% during March compared to usual levels, while petrol demand increased by up to 15%,” CAPPO spokesperson Vaclav Loula said, Czech Radio reported.

He stressed that there is no risk of fuel shortages.

Analysts attribute the surge in demand to motorists stocking up in advance and to increased interest from drivers in neighboring countries, where fuel prices are higher.