How the Rise in Diesel Prices Affects Planting in Ukraine and the Experience of France
Ukrainian farmers in 2026 are facing a significant increase in the cost of diesel fuel, which seriously impacts the planting campaign. In the first four months of the year, the price of diesel rose from 55 to 95 UAH per liter, while the excise tax increased from 215.7 to 253.8 euros per thousand liters. Given that fuel accounts for up to 30% of the costs for spring fieldwork, this has led to a delay in planting by 10–15 days and an overall increase in its cost by 15%, which currently amounts to about 700 billion UAH.
This is reported by AgroReview
The Experience of France: State Support and Electrification
A similar situation has arisen in France, where diesel for agricultural machinery (GNR) has also significantly increased in price due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. In March 2026, the French government introduced a support package for farmers, fishermen, and transporters amounting to €70 million. Farmers were allocated €14 million through a reduction in the diesel tax (a discount of 4 cents per liter), along with proposed deferrals of social contributions and state loans of up to €500 million.
Additionally, France has launched a strategy for the electrification of agricultural machinery aimed at gradually reducing dependence on diesel in the future. However, according to the FNSEA union, these measures are insufficient. They are demanding an increase in support to 30 cents per liter, referencing the experience of 2022 when, following the onset of the full-scale war in Ukraine, support was 15 cents per liter. If their demands are not met, the union threatens large-scale protests using tractors on highways.
“The main agricultural union in France, FNSEA, has demanded 30 cents per liter, reminding that in 2022 — during the energy shock following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — farmers received 15 cents per liter. If the government does not increase support, the union threatens new tractor protests on highways.”
Support for Farmers in Ukraine
In Ukraine, direct compensation for fuel costs for farmers is currently absent. At the same time, related state programs are in place. In particular, the state compensates 25% of the cost of domestic agricultural machinery, and for farmers in frontline areas, this figure is increased to 40%. A budget of 1.8 billion UAH is allocated for this program in 2026. The preferential lending program “5-7-9%” has also been extended until the end of 2027.
According to official data, fuel accounts for 10–15% of the cost structure of agricultural products in Ukraine, but during fieldwork, this share rises to 30%. Despite the lack of direct fuel compensation, farmers can utilize other support mechanisms to mitigate the impact of rising diesel prices on the 2026 planting campaign.