Andorra Fuel Imports Drop 3.3% in July Despite Rising Prices

Fuel imports to Andorra dropped 3.3% in July from the previous year, reaching 11.79 million litres across all categories, according to the Estadística department. Imports rose 22.4% compared to June, supported by government subsidies introduced on 15 July that reduced petrol prices by 15 cents per litre and diesel by 10 cents per litre.

Automotive diesel imports totalled 7.25 million litres, a 2.4% year-on-year decline. Unleaded petrol fell 5.7% to 3.66 million litres, matching the drop in domestic fuel imports. The measures reversed sharp prior declines of 15% in April, 13.8% in May, and 18.5% in June.

July prices averaged lower than in June across the board. Automotive diesel stood at €1.469, down 5.2%; improved diesel at €1.499, down 5.1%; 95-octane petrol at €1.464, down 5.9%; 98-octane at €1.525, down 5.7%; domestic heating diesel at €1.246, down 1.4%; and shop heating diesel at €1.204, down 1.2%.

Year-on-year, prices rose significantly through the first seven months of 2026, with shop heating diesel up 26.3%, domestic heating diesel up 24.4%, automotive diesel up 18.4%, improved diesel up 17.8%, 95-octane petrol up 8.4%, and 98-octane petrol up 8%. These increases stem from subsidy cuts and elevated Brent crude prices amid Middle East tensions, including tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.

Andorran stations continue to undercut La Seu d'Urgell by about five cents per litre on petrol and six on diesel. Spain's hydrocarbon tax reductions are now at 10 cents per litre in August, set to narrow to five cents in September, and end in October, with VAT returning to 21% since late June.

David Porqueres, president of the Andorran Fuel Importers and Distributors Association (Asidca), called on the government to protect this edge. He highlighted past Spanish aid costing Andorra nearly one million euros in revenue and stressed the need for swift responses, given a three-to-five-day lag for measures to take effect. Porqueres downplayed chances of fresh Spanish subsidies, pointing to Council of Europe cautions on tax changes.

Year-to-date through July 2026, imports reached 89.05 million litres, down 6.7% from 2025. The past 12 months saw 157.58 million litres, a 4.1% decrease. Andorra's further reductions start 1 August, with diesel aid ending 1 September and petrol aid 1 October. The Finance Ministry is handling distributor compliance refunds. August figures will indicate if the uptick holds.