How Much Could the New EU Fuel Tax Increase Costs? A Dacia Logan Driver's Calculation

Romania, along with nine other EU member states, is urging the European Commission to reconsider the ETS2, a new European emissions trading system that could increase fuel costs for consumers. The countries fear the additional taxation will place undue pressure on households already grappling with high energy prices.

Energy expert Dumitru Chisăliță calculated the potential impact for a typical driver. His analysis suggests that a Dacia Logan, covering an average of 15,000 kilometers annually, generates approximately two tons of CO₂ per year. At a carbon price of 80 euros per ton, the associated cost for these emissions would be around 160 euros, or nearly 800 lei, annually. This represents an estimated 8% increase on current annual fuel expenses for such a vehicle.

The ETS2 mechanism, scheduled to take effect in 2028, will extend the existing emissions trading system to include road transport and building heating. While the tax is not applied directly to drivers, fuel suppliers will need to purchase emission certificates, costs they may pass on to consumers through higher prices for gasoline and diesel.

Romania, Italy, Poland, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, and Slovakia have formally requested a reassessment of the ETS2. They argue that the new system could impose significant additional costs on both the public and businesses at a time when energy and fuel prices remain a major economic concern.

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A car Dacia Logan in a year for each kilometer driven emits 0.116 kg CO₂, so at about 15,000 km driven on average in a year, about 2 tons CO₂/year are emitted.