Danish drivers can save around 6 kroner per liter on gasoline and diesel by filling up in Sweden, where fuel duties have been cut below the EU minimum.
Gasoline and diesel prices are rising in Denmark while remaining markedly lower across the Oresund, DR reported on September 21. According to figures from the motorists’ organization FDM, the current gap is about 6 kroner per liter on both fuels.
DR spoke to Lasse Møller from Bornholm, who saved more than 200 kroner by refueling in Sweden rather than at home. He said he waits until he reaches Ystad and fills up again before heading back. Other Bornholm drivers follow the same routine.
Ilyas Dogru, consumer economist at FDM, told DR that taxation is the main reason for the difference. He said the Swedish government has set duties at the EU minimum and has recently gone further by cutting them below that level.
Sweden applied in the spring for permission to go under the EU minimum rates and was granted it temporarily. The European Commission’s weekly oil bulletin, published on August 26, 2026, states that Sweden introduced temporary relief on gasoline and diesel excise duties from July 6, 2026 until November 2026. The Commission notes the reductions apply to Eurosuper 95 and diesel.
Save up to 2,800 DKK on Your Electricity Bill
FindElpriser helps you switch electricity providers quickly and easily.
Denmark has chosen a different route
The Danish government has raised the commuter deduction, known as kørselsfradrag, instead of cutting fuel duties. As DR notes, that measure only benefits car owners who travel more than 12 kilometers to work.
Dogru expects Danish politicians may eventually have to examine fuel taxes, but he warned that the step carries risks. According to him, lower duties could increase demand for gasoline and diesel, which he described as the wrong direction.
Taxes are not the only factor behind the price gap. DR points to the exchange rate, noting that the Swedish krona has been historically weak against the Danish krone for a long period. One Swedish krona is currently worth about 0.66 Danish kroner.
Dogru also said the low Swedish prices have a potential expiration date, which could push costs up sharply. He pointed to Norway, where fuel prices rose steeply overnight once a duty exemption there ran out.
