Finnish drivers frustrated by fuel price surge but continue filling up despite costs
Friday 17th April 2026 on 18:45 in
Finland
Finnish motorists are quietly accepting soaring fuel prices—despite their frustration—after Iran’s conflict pushed the cost of 95-octane gasoline up sharply, reports Yle. While drivers in Rovaniemi admit the price hike is painful, many say they have no choice but to pay, with some cutting back on non-essential trips.
“It’s always annoying when the price goes up, but what can you do? These things are in the hands of the big players,” said Olavi Lustig after filling his tank. He has reduced his driving since prices jumped by tens of cents per litre following Iran’s conflict, though he still makes essential trips, such as visits to his cottage.
Pekka Henttunen has also limited his driving to necessities and now follows developments in the Strait of Hormuz and former US President Trump’s statements daily. “I think the whole war was his decision,” he said.
The Strait of Hormuz, critical for global oil shipments, reopened Friday under a 10-day ceasefire, causing oil prices to drop 10% immediately. Before the closure, gasoline in Finland was about €0.30 cheaper per litre, with diesel seeing an even larger price gap. Prices have not yet reached the €2.50 per litre seen at the start of the Ukraine war in 2022.
Some drivers hope for temporary tax relief. Anssi Tulkki suggested the government consider a temporary cut to the VAT on fuel, a proposal also raised by SOK’s CEO in Iltalehti. “That would probably show up in the pump price pretty quickly. It’s worth thinking about,” Tulkki said. Sweden has already implemented a temporary reduction in fuel taxes.
Diesel driver Vellu Mäkitalo said his monthly fuel costs have risen by about €100 due to the price increase. “You don’t get much for €50 anymore when diesel is this expensive. It’s tough, but you have to pay,” he said.
Finland faces no fuel shortage, as most of its crude oil comes from the North Sea rather than the Persian Gulf. However, prices are still tied to global markets. On Friday, Brent crude was priced at $98 per barrel, up from around $70 before the conflict.