
All economic eyes have been on the Middle East for the last month, watching for signs that fallout from the war in Iran will begin to affect various markets. Now reporting from Reuters is detailing exactly how the conflict is hitting Europe, at least in one specific way.
Rising fuel prices tied to the war have already begun reshaping Europe’s car market, says the report, with a sharp jump in demand for used electric vehicles as car buyers react to higher costs at the pump.
Since the war began on February 28, disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, a shipping route that sees roughly 20% of global oil supplies, have pushed gas prices higher across Europe. Average gas prices in the European Union rose about 12% between late February and mid-March, reaching roughly €1.84 per liter. To put it in perspective, that translates to over $8 per gallon.
That spike quickly affected buyer behavior, most immediately in the used-car market. Online sites across Europe have seen a surge in EV interest and sales, with EVs gaining ground over traditional gasoline and diesel models.
“There is currently an electric car bonanza in the used market,” Terje Dahlgren, an analyst at Norway’s Finn.no marketplace, told Reuters.
Aramisauto, a retailer based in France, said it saw its EV sales nearly double over a three-week period. At the same time, sales of gas- and diesel-powered vehicles fell. Aramisauto CEO Romain Boscher said the shift is due primarily to price sensitivity.
Various outlets across Europe have reported the same. Marketplace operator OLX reported EV search increases of 50% in France, 54% in Portugal, and nearly 40% in Poland and Romania. In Germany, mobile.de said EV-related searches tripled in early March, while dealer inquiries rose 66%.
Analysts say the used EV segment is especially suited to fill the gap when gas prices spike because they are more affordable and immediately available compared to new cars, which often have long delivery times.
LATEST POSTS
Parents who delay baby's first vaccines also likely to skip measles shots
Foods with healthy-sounding buzzwords could be hiding added sugar in plain sight
Building Tough Connections: Individual Bits of knowledge on Association
Common ADHD medication prescribed in childhood may protect against risk of psychosis
How to watch ‘The Traitors’ Season 4: Premiere date, episode release time, full cast list and more
Artemis II live updates: NASA's historic moon mission set to make lunar flyby today
Kate Middleton and Prince William unveil annual family Christmas card photo with George, Charlotte and Louis
Nearly half of reindeer have been wiped out and armadillos are in Iowa. Here’s how animals are weathering warming holidays
Figure out How to Reveal Stowed away Open Record Rewards











