Diesel oil and petrol, "fighting" for a leading position in European ranking of price increases

Prices or diesel oil and petrol have risen by 8.6% and 15.8%, respectively, in euros, since the start of the year, with Romania ranking among countries with the highest fuel price growth in Europe.
Hikes were applied though oil companies say demand is falling and conditions will worsen in the second half of the year amid Govt's austerity moves.
According to European statistical data, Romania ranks seventh in terms of diesel oil price increases, among the 27 EU members, ahead of countries such as Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, Italy or France.
As regards petrol prices, the domestic market is not among the top ten markets in terms of increases, holding the 12th position. Even so, domestic price hikes top the ones in countries such as Hungary, Spain or Austria.
Statistical data show that despite the increases, Romania is selling some of the cheapest fuels in Europe, but the same official data say that this seeming advantage is cancelled when considered against the purchasing power.
All these price increases come at a time when fuel sales in volumes are declining and will decline further because of the economic downturn. Oil companies have not explained this situation by edition close.