More than half of surveyed companies may revise prices due to rising fuel costs, according to the EBA survey

23/ 03/ 2026

Against the backdrop of rising fuel prices, which began in late February and intensified in early March, the European Business Association conducted an ad hoc survey among its member companies to assess how this situation is affecting their operations. Among the respondents, 66% have already experienced a significant or moderate impact of developments in the fuel market on their operational activities: for 32%, the impact is significant, and for 34% it is moderate. A further 25% reported a slight impact, while only 9% stated that they have not yet felt the effects of rising fuel prices. Companies most frequently report increased logistics and transportation costs, with 76% of respondents highlighting this issue. Another 45% indicated a rise in the cost of goods or services, while 30% noted that they are revising budgets or operational plans. According to business estimates, expense increases due to changes in the fuel market are as follows: 21% of companies reported an increase of up to 5%; 24% — by 5–10%; 27% — by 10–20%; 4% — by more than 20%. At the same time, 24% of respondents either believe it is too early to assess the impact or have not yet experienced cost increases. Amid the current fuel market situation, 20% of surveyed companies have already adjusted prices for their goods or services, while a further 37% are considering doing so. At the same time, 40% are not planning price revisions for now, and 3% remain undecided. However, 48% of companies will only be able to maintain current prices without passing additional costs on to consumers for no longer than 1–2 months: 23% — less than one month; 25% — 1–2 months. Another 25% state that they will be able to maintain current price levels for 3–6 months, and only 10% — for more than 6 months. For 17% of respondents, it is still difficult to assess this timeframe. At present, however, businesses continue to demonstrate operational resilience. 53% of companies reported that the fuel market situation has not yet led to disruptions or operational difficulties. A further 25% experienced minor challenges, and only 8% reported significant operational issues. For 14%, it is still too early to assess the impact. Among the key expectations from the government in this context are more flexible tax and excise policies, including temporary measures during periods of sharp price fluctuations; ensuring transparency and predictability in the fuel market; and support for critical sectors where fuel constitutes a significant share of costs. For reference: The survey was conducted from 17 to 23 March 2026 and involved 107 executives of member companies of the European Business Association. The most represented sectors among respondents include transport and logistics, healthcare, agriculture and food, manufacturing, FMCG, and construction.

Among the respondents, 66% have already experienced a significant or moderate impact of developments in the fuel market on their operational activities: for 32%, the impact is significant, and for 34% it is moderate. A further 25% reported a slight impact, while only 9% stated that they have not yet felt the effects of rising fuel prices.

Companies most frequently report increased logistics and transportation costs, with 76% of respondents highlighting this issue. Another 45% indicated a rise in the cost of goods or services, while 30% noted that they are revising budgets or operational plans.

According to business estimates, expense increases due to changes in the fuel market are as follows:

21% of companies reported an increase of up to 5%;
24% — by 5–10%;
27% — by 10–20%;
4% — by more than 20%.

At the same time, 24% of respondents either believe it is too early to assess the impact or have not yet experienced cost increases.

Amid the current fuel market situation, 20% of surveyed companies have already adjusted prices for their goods or services, while a further 37% are considering doing so. At the same time, 40% are not planning price revisions for now, and 3% remain undecided.

However, 48% of companies will only be able to maintain current prices without passing additional costs on to consumers for no longer than 1–2 months:

23% — less than one month;
25% — 1–2 months.

Another 25% state that they will be able to maintain current price levels for 3–6 months, and only 10% — for more than 6 months. For 17% of respondents, it is still difficult to assess this timeframe.

At present, however, businesses continue to demonstrate operational resilience. 53% of companies reported that the fuel market situation has not yet led to disruptions or operational difficulties. A further 25% experienced minor challenges, and only 8% reported significant operational issues. For 14%, it is still too early to assess the impact.

Among the key expectations from the government in this context are more flexible tax and excise policies, including temporary measures during periods of sharp price fluctuations; ensuring transparency and predictability in the fuel market; and support for critical sectors where fuel constitutes a significant share of costs.

For reference:

The survey was conducted from 17 to 23 March 2026 and involved 107 executives of member companies of the European Business Association. The most represented sectors among respondents include transport and logistics, healthcare, agriculture and food, manufacturing, FMCG, and construction.