Diesel prices in Denmark are currently almost the same as gasoline prices, a situation not seen since 2008. At Circle K on Tuesday, gasoline cost 13.39 kroner per liter, while diesel was only slightly cheaper at 13.19 kroner.

Peter Rasmussen, a fuel and energy expert at Circle K, explains that this is unusual. A key factor is increased demand for diesel due to some European countries using heating oil, a diesel product, for electricity and heat production in an effort to reduce reliance on Russian gas.

Another factor influencing prices is the situation in the United States. While the “driving season” typically increases gasoline prices, low consumer confidence in the U.S. has dampened consumption, impacting overall prices.

Rasmussen anticipates that diesel will generally remain cheaper than gasoline in the future. However, he notes that the increasing number of electric cars could decrease gasoline demand, while heavy traffic will maintain demand for diesel. Tax systems could also influence prices in the future. Diesel is inherently more expensive than gasoline when it leaves the refinery. The diesel tax increase at the beginning of the year also contributed to the current price parity.