LPG and methane prices on the rise, new increases linked to high fuel prices

The growth in international energy prices and the prospects for winter demand have an impact. LPG has exceeded 80 cents per litre, while methane is over 2.12 euros per kilogram. Petrol and diesel, on the other hand, recorded slight drops at the pump.

Spending for motorists using LPG or methane cars is growing again. The prices of the two fuels recorded new increases, while petrol and diesel showed a slight decline, a trend linked to the dynamics of the international energy markets and the arrival of winter, traditionally characterized by a greater demand for energy.

LPG above 80 cents per litre

LPG surpassed the 80 cents per liter mark, returning to the highest levels ever recorded in early June. Above all, the increases in international prices of propane and butane, the two main components of LPG, are pushing prices. In November the price of Algerian propane rose by around 23%, exceeding 800 dollars a ton, while butane rose by more than 40%, above 1,000 dollars a ton. Algeria represents one of Italy's main suppliers and any variation in prices has a direct impact on supply costs.

The effect of winter on demand

The seasonal factor also affects the price increases. With the arrival of the colder months, the consumption of propane for heating and various other production activities increases, resulting in greater pressure on prices. Added to this are transport costs, the trend of global supply and the fluctuation of the euro-dollar exchange rate, elements which can be reflected in the final price paid by motorists.

Price of methane on the rise

Methane is also on the rise. Prices are influenced by winter demand, storage levels and the availability of liquefied natural gas (LNG). In recent weeks, European gas prices have reached high levels, approaching 90 euros per megawatt hour. Among the elements weighing on the market are also the competition with Asian markets for the purchase of LNG cargoes and the uncertainties linked to international geopolitical tensions.

Prices at the pump

The latest findings show a clear gap between traditional fuels and gas. In self mode, petrol stands on average at 2.007 euros per liter and diesel at 2.235 per litre, both significantly decreasing compared to previous days. LPG, on the other hand, rises to 0.802 euros per liter, while methane reaches 2.122 euros per kilogram. On motorways the average prices are even higher: 2.033 euros per liter for petrol, 2.281 euros for diesel and 0.905 euros for LPG. Methane, on the other hand, stands at 1.962 euros per kilogram.