A common methodology for fuel price comparison at a common unit aligned with EU consumers perception

The connection between transport and its environmental impact is especially critical in the progress towards sustainable development. The energy demand in the transport section increased by 7% overall throughout the five years to 2020 as reported by EUROSTAT [1]. The numbers of transport services and traffic volume grew respectively [2] with the European fleet to be expanded by around three million cars and trucks annually. In this line, transport sector led to environmental issues as it accounts for the 24% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions (if we only consider CO2 emissions from energy) [3]. European Union (EU) is committed to achieve GHG emissions reduction to 80–95% below 1990-levels by 2050 and thus initiatives and policy frameworks increase the penetration of eco-friendly vehicles in the market. In this frame, the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive 2014/94/EU [4] (hereinafter referred to as "AFID") introduces a consumer-oriented framework towards alternative fuels. Following AFID directions, a Programme Support Action (PSA) called “Assisting Member States in the implementation of a common methodology for AFs unit price comparison in accordance with Directive 2014/94/EU - FPC4Consumers” was implemented for delivering a common methodology for comparing fuel prices in euros/100km, aligned with EU consumers’ perception. These implementing acts aimed to increase consumer awareness and provide fuel price transparency in a consistent way across the Union, and the display of fuels information should not confuse the consumers. For this purpose, an online questionnaire and pilot actions within EU countries were performed, with almost 8000 consumers preferences evaluated in relation to display format, content and location displayed at filling stations. The evaluation of the responses contributed to the optimisation of Fuel Price Comparison (FPC) displays and the development of the common methodology proposed which was adapted from most of EU countries and applied at the end of 2020.