Average petrol prices in the Netherlands have fallen again, reaching €2.55 per litre after peaking at €2.73 about two weeks earlier, according to United Consumers. Diesel prices also declined this week, but less sharply. The figures are based on daily prices from five major petrol chains and often reflect prices along motorways; stations away from motorways and unmanned stations are frequently cheaper.

The decline came despite oil prices rising to about $115 a barrel, their highest level since April. Energy expert Jilles van den Beukel said transport and refining costs are currently influencing pump prices as much as oil prices. He said transport costs had already been reflected in pump prices and that lower refining costs may be linked to increased availability of refined oil products. He did not expect prices to keep falling in the long term and said they were likely to rise unless conditions in the Middle East changed substantially.