The price of fuel for private transport rose by 12.9% in the European Union (EU) and 12.2% in Portugal in March compared to the same month last year, Eurostat reported this Monday, the 21st. Up until February, the EU's statistical office noted that the price of fuels and lubricants for private transport in the bloc was generally decreasing, both in the EU average and in most EU countries. However, a significant increase was recorded in March 2026 due to tensions in the Persian Gulf and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran. In March, almost all EU countries also recorded year-on-year price increases, led by Germany (19.8%), followed by Romania (19.6%), the Netherlands (18.8%), Latvia (18.5%), and Austria (17.2%). In Hungary and Slovenia, prices fell by 2.7% and 5.9%, respectively, compared to March 2025. Shipping has been paralysed again since Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran and Washington imposing separate blockades, and Iranian ships continuing to test the American blockade. Iran reversed its decision to reopen the waterway on Saturday, worsening tensions with the United States before the end of the ceasefire, which could theoretically end between tonight and Wednesday morning, Tehran time. The United States and Israel began airstrikes on Iran on 28 February, and the situation in the Persian Gulf has worsened due to blockades imposed on cargo ships, especially oil tankers. Iran: Brussels wants electricity to be taxed less than fuel and warns about subsidies provided in the EU.