Discover how fuel and tolling costs are evolving across the EU. Backed by the latest data and regulatory insights, this concise 2025 Intelligence Briefing analysis reveals key trends impacting road transport operators’ bottom line. In today’s economic climate, understanding these cost drivers is essential for planning and sustainability.
To stay operational, transport companies must continuously monitor their fleets' total cost of ownership (TCO). Fuel and tolls make up a significant part of the TCO, though their share varies widely by country. The 2025 edition of this report combines both fuel and tolling analysis to reflect their significant impact on operational costs.
Other industry actors such as shippers also monitor fuel prices and toll rates to understand and minimise their transport costs. Recently, fuel prices and toll rates have experienced substantial fluctuations due to geopolitical factors, fiscal and monetary policies, and the EU's commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
This briefing begins with an overview of road freight and passenger volumes, highlighting major EU road transport markets and identifying the most used fuels and vehicle powertrains. This initial context is essential. Road transport encompasses diverse vehicle types, fuels, and usage patterns. The overview helps narrow the focus on key trends shaping the industry, before examining fuel and toll specifics in detail.
Using the latest IRU data, the report goes on to examine how major global events and emerging patterns have impacted crude oil prices over the past ten years. Alternative fuels commonly used in the EU, such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and compressed natural gas (CNG), have also experienced price volatility, but for different reasons, including supply chain structures, taxation systems, and national climate policies. The report also covers AdBlue, which represents a smaller but still significant part of operating costs.
Electricity is one promising alternative for fleet operators with its competitive per-kilometre cost and tolling exemption in some countries. Although adoption is still in its early stages and the key enabling conditions are lacking, notably charging and grid infrastructure, electric vehicles could become more prominent, especially with the anticipated fuel price increase once ETS2 is introduced in 2027. The analysis also includes electricity prices for depot charging.
Tolls, depending on the country and scheme, make up a significant component of the TCO. For example, tolls account for up to 15% of the total TCO (excluding staff wages and overhead costs) in Germany. The wide diversity of tolling schemes across the EU adds considerable complexity, making it challenging for operators to navigate. Final toll costs are influenced by a combination of vehicle characteristics, evolving EU directives, and national policies and priorities. Significant modifications have occurred in recent years, primarily to comply with the latest Eurovignette Directive, which requires including a CO₂ component in rate calculations. Germany was first to implement it in 2023, resulting in an 83% increase in toll rates for the most common EURO VI trucks. EU countries are still implementing the 2022 Eurovignette modifications. The Netherlands will switch to electronic distance-based tolling in 2026. This report provides a comprehensive overview of toll values across the EU, based on extensive data harmonisation efforts.
Backed by the latest available data, this report provides road transport stakeholders with essential insights into fuel price trends and tolling costs, enabling informed strategic decisions in today's rapidly changing environment.