Fuel Prices Surge Again in Turkey as Back-to-Back Hikes Hit Gasoline and Diesel

Turkey’s fuel consumers are facing another wave of sharp price increases, as successive hikes in gasoline and diesel prices are set to take effect within days. What initially appeared to be a routine adjustment has now become a two-stage surge, driven by volatility in Brent crude oil prices and ongoing exchange rate fluctuations.

The latest revisions confirm that the increases will be steeper than first expected, adding further pressure on household budgets and transportation costs just ahead of the weekend.

First Wave: Gasoline Prices Jump Overnight

According to sector sources, the long-anticipated gasoline hike has now been finalized. Starting at midnight, gasoline prices will rise by ₺1.61 per liter, marking one of the most significant single-step increases in recent weeks.

In Istanbul, where the average gasoline price currently stands at around ₺53.21 per liter, the adjustment will push prices up to approximately ₺54.82 per liter. This overnight change means drivers filling up on Friday morning will immediately feel the impact at the pump.

The increase reflects not only movements in global oil markets but also domestic pricing formulas that closely track currency dynamics.

Second Wave: Diesel Faces Another Major Increase on Saturday

Before drivers can adjust to the gasoline hike, diesel users are set to face a similar blow. On Saturday, motorin prices are expected to rise by ₺1.60 per liter, extending the upward trend seen earlier in the week.

This new increase comes on top of a recent ₺1 hike, meaning diesel prices will now surpass the ₺56 per liter threshold, pushing them toward record levels in major cities.

For commercial vehicles, logistics companies, and diesel-dependent sectors, the timing of this increase is particularly challenging, as fuel costs directly feed into transportation and distribution expenses.

Global Oil and Currency Pressures Drive the Increases

At the core of the latest fuel surge lies a combination of global and domestic factors. Brent crude prices have shown renewed volatility, reacting to geopolitical risks, supply expectations, and signals of global demand. At the same time, movements in the exchange rate continue to amplify these effects for fuel-importing countries like Turkey.

Because a significant portion of Turkey’s fuel costs is denominated in foreign currency, even modest shifts in exchange rates can translate into immediate pump price changes.

The Cost of Filling Up Rises Sharply

The real-world impact of these back-to-back increases becomes clear when looking at everyday driving costs. For a vehicle with an average 50-liter fuel tank, the cumulative effect of the gasoline and diesel hikes means that the cost of filling up has increased by roughly ₺160 in just three days.

Updated Estimated Prices in Istanbul

Following the confirmed hikes, estimated pump prices in Istanbul’s European side are expected to reach the following levels:

Gasoline: ₺54.82 per liter (effective Friday)
Diesel (Motorin): ₺56.41 per liter (effective Saturday)

While prices may vary slightly by district and distributor, these figures provide a clear indication of where the market is heading in the immediate term.

A Difficult Weekend Ahead for Drivers

With two major increases scheduled within days, motorists are bracing for a costly weekend at the pump. The rapid pace of adjustments underscores how closely domestic fuel prices are tied to global energy markets and currency movements.

Unless there is a sustained easing in Brent crude prices or stabilization in exchange rates, the risk of further price volatility remains high. For now, drivers are left navigating a landscape where fuel costs continue to rise faster than incomes, reshaping daily mobility decisions and household budgets alike.