What happens when petrol prices suddenly surge?
Across Europe, many drivers appear to be asking a simple question: why not switch to electric?
Since the conflict involving Iran disrupted a key oil shipping route—responsible for roughly 20% of the world’s supply—fuel prices have climbed sharply.
According to data from the European Commission, average petrol prices in the European Union jumped about 12%, reaching €1.84 per litre within weeks.
And that spike is already reshaping the car market.
Online platforms report a surge in interest for used electric vehicles.
On Norway’s popular marketplace Finn.no, EVs have even overtaken diesel cars as the best-selling category.
Analyst Terje Dahlgren calls it “an electric car bonanza” in the second-hand market.
EV Demand Surges
The trend is also visible at Aramisauto, majority-owned by Stellantis. Its EV share nearly doubled in just a few weeks.
CEO Romain Boscher says there’s a psychological tipping point: “As soon as petrol passes two euros a litre, people really start thinking differently.”
Demand signals are spreading. Marketplaces run by OLX report EV searches soaring across countries such as France, Romania and Portugal.
Industry analysts say used EVs react fastest to price shocks because they’re cheaper and available immediately.
As Alastair Campbell notes, consumers are simply “looking for more fuel-efficient alternatives.”
In other words, every spike at the pump might be quietly charging the electric revolution.
