Overall petroleum product demand fell by 8.1 percent in 2020 compared to the previous year, from 7.29 million tons to 6.69 million tons, suppressed by lockdown measures, but, in a surprise result, demand for super unleaded gasoline (98/100 octane) increased by 34.8 percent, to 331,664 liters from 246,044 liters in 2019, a development attributed to an extensive upgrade of car models in Greece over the past five years and an increasing trust shown by drivers in higher-octane gasoline.

Demand for regular unleaded gasoline fell by 23 percent, from just over 2 million tons in 2019 to 1.57 million tons in 2020, according to Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) figures.

Auto diesel demand declined by 6.5 percent, from 2.73 million tons in 2019 to 2.55 million tons in 2020.

Demand for high-sulfur fuel, used in the shipping sector, fell sharply by 28.7 percent, over the same period, the ELSTAT data showed.

Heating fuel demand also rose in 2020, registering a 15.2 percent increase, to 1.25 million tons from 1.08 million tons in 2019. This demand increase was attributed to lower prices.