Diesel now costs more than 95-octane petrol in S'pore

Diesel prices have reached between S$3.56 and S$3.73 per litre before discount at major fuel stations in Singapore as of Mar. 21, 2026.

This is more expensive than 95-octane petrol, which is going for S$3.46 to S$3.47 per litre before discount.

Even at Cnergy, which prices its fuel at about S$1 cheaper than its competitors before discount, diesel is more expensive than petrol.

Diesel traditionally cheaper than petrol

The surge in recent weeks is unprecedented as diesel has traditionally been cheaper than petrol.

For example, in December 2014, diesel cost about S$1.50 per litre, while 95-octane petrol cost about S$2.05 per litre before discounts.

A photo posted on Facebook on Mar. 21 showed that the diesel price has now gone beyond achieving parity with petrol.

According to Motorist.sg, on Feb. 23, Caltex was selling diesel at S$2.66 per litre, while petrol was going for S$2.88 per litre before discount.

This was before the war in Iran occurred on Feb. 28.

Push for cleaner energy

Diesel has been the standard for buses and lorries in Singapore due to its cost efficiencies.

However, since Jan. 1, 2025, Singapore has stopped registering new diesel cars and taxis, including imported used models, to align with its goal of having all vehicles run on cleaner energy by 2040, according to the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

Existing diesel cars can still renew their COE but will incur higher road taxes.

Top photo via Professional Private Hire Drivers Singapore Facebook