The Azorean government justifies the adjustment in the maximum retail price with "recent fluctuations in the international market for reference prices for petroleum and energy products."

Starting October 1, diesel will cost 1.428 euros per litre in the Azores, 1.7 cents less than the previous month.

In September, the price of diesel had already dropped 1.1 cents per litre, after rising 5.8 cents in August.

The price of petrol, which has seen less fluctuation in the Azores, shows a slight increase of 0.1 cents per litre, rising from 1.595 to 1.596 euros per litre.

Butane gas, which began monthly price adjustments in January, also saw a slight increase in October, of 0.2 cents per kilogram (0.3 cents if sold in bulk).

Butane gas sold to the public at retailers' establishments in cylinders of 26 liters or more now costs €1.652 per kilo, and that sold in 24-liter cylinders made of lightweight materials (up to eight kilos of containers) now costs €1.848 per kilo.