Norwegian fuel chains swing prices up to 6 NOK per litre within a week

A new study by Konkurransetilsynet reveals that gasoline and diesel prices in Norway can vary by as much as six kroner per litre over a single week, meaning a driver filling 60 litres could see a price gap of about 300 kroner between the cheapest and most expensive days. The research, covering 2024 through April 2026, finds that the country's major fuel retailers—Circle K, Uno-X, St1, Esso and YX—regularly increase prices sharply across the nation, then gradually reduce them, a pattern that allows them to capture higher gross margins than would exist under stronger competition.

Margins were especially high in January and February despite lower wholesale costs, fell when the Iran war raised purchase prices in March, and rose again after a road-use tax cut in April, which the authority says may have facilitated margin maintenance. The chains reject accusations of collusion, attributing price moves to input costs, taxes, logistics and local competition, and note that they monitor competitors’ publicly posted prices.

The frequency of price hikes accelerated in March and April, with some weeks seeing three increases and intervals shrinking to two-three days. Smaller, independent stations that do not follow this pattern may help keep local prices lower, and consumers are advised to refuel when prices are at their lowest, even if the tank is not empty.