The Norwegian competition authority has conducted an analysis of fuel prices and gross margins from 2024 to April 2026, revealing a consistent national pricing pattern among major fuel chains. These chains significantly raise prices nationally one or more times a week, only to gradually lower them again.

According to Stig Torje Bjugn, a fuel expert at the authority, this established pricing pattern allows chains to maintain high margins after price increases, resulting in higher average margins than would occur with stronger competition. The analysis indicates that diesel margins were higher in January and February of this year compared to the same months in previous years, despite lower costs and average pump prices.

Margins fell in March due to rising procurement costs and pump prices linked to the conflict in Iran. However, after a reduction in the road usage tax in April, margins increased again, reaching levels comparable to the previous winter, even as pump prices fell and costs remained high.

The authority's findings also highlight significant local price differences, with the most common variation between the highest and lowest prices during a week being around five kroner per liter. For a driver filling up 60 liters, this can mean savings of approximately 300 kroner.

Bjugn advises consumers to be aware of local price levels and to fill up when prices are low, as prices tend to be at their lowest just before increases. The authority notes that several smaller chains that do not follow the established pricing pattern have emerged in recent years, positively impacting competition and potentially leading to lower local prices.