Fuel costs drive Greek citizens to Bulgaria
Rising energy costs are pushing residents in northern Greece to cross into neighboring countries to fill their vehicles at lower prices, while high energy poverty and inefficient buildings continue to expose Greek households to elevated costs.
Around 20% of Greek households are estimated to experience energy poverty, roughly twice the European average, according to Kathimerini. In 2025, 18.1% of Greeks said they were unable to keep their homes adequately warm, compared with 8.8% across the European Union.
Inefficient homes add to pressure
More than half of Greece’s housing stock was built before 1980, while about six in 10 homes lack adequate insulation. Around three-quarters of buildings are classified in low energy-efficiency categories.
Despite about €2.5 billion being mobilized through renovation programs over the past 15 years, only 9.5% of residents reported carrying out an energy upgrade in the previous five years, compared with 23.9% across the EU.
Transport is another major source of energy demand, accounting for about 43% of Greece’s final energy consumption. The country’s passenger cars are also among the oldest in the EU, with an average age of 17.8 years compared with 12.7 years across the bloc.
Drivers head to neighboring countries
The cost difference is particularly visible in northern Greece, where motorists from Serres, Drama and Kilkis regularly cross the Promachonas border checkpoint into Bulgaria to refuel, according to LiFO, citing Mega television.
Unleaded gasoline in Bulgaria is reported to be around €0.56 cheaper per liter than in Greece, while diesel costs about €0.33 less.
Drivers crossing into North Macedonia can find even larger differences, with gasoline around €0.60 cheaper per liter and diesel approximately €0.54 cheaper than in Greece.
Further increases possible
Fuel market representatives estimate that new refinery pricing could lead to an additional increase of nearly 2%, adding to pressure on motorists.
The Greek government is preparing additional support measures as households and businesses face continued pressure from energy and transport costs.
