Juice Up Wisely: Saving Money on Fuel Across Europe
Preparing Ahead for Pentecost Holidays: Your Guide to Locating Fuel Stations
Journeying across Europe this Whitsun? Save some coins for that yummy dessert on your destination by filling up smartly! Here's a breakdown of fuel prices across key European countries, considering various factors affecting their prices.
Journey South
Fuel is a bit cheaper in Austria compared to Germany. Petrol is 22 cents cheaper, diesel 6 cents less. But if Austria is just a transit country, your decision depends on the destination: Fuel is pricier in Italy compared to Austria, whereas it's less expensive in Slovenia, Croatia, or Hungary. So, it might be worth the extra drive to save some cash or only filling up half a tank in Austria. The Slovakia petrol price differences are minimal, whilst diesel is cheaper there compared to Austria and thus cheaper than in Germany.
Switzerland isn't the best place to squeeze some fuel. Although there are no EU Commission figures, tips from the Touring Club Switzerland suggest fuel costs more in Switzerland compared to Germany, Italy, or France. If you're heading to Italy from Switzerland, fill up before you leave, as your destination might be a bit pricier too.
Heading West
France is nearly on par with Germany. Those heading to Spain can save significantly on fuel in the destination country. Benzine is cheaper by 16 cents in Belgium, but diesel is more expensive by 7 cents compared to Germany. In the Netherlands, fuel costs 17 cents more for both petrol and diesel, whereas Luxembourg's cheaper fuel makes it the most wallet-friendly choice in the west (24 cents savings for petrol and 16 cents savings for diesel).
Journey East
The answer here is straightforward: Poland and the Czech Republic boast the cheapest petrol in Germany's proximity. The difference amounts to 35 cents. Diesel is also the cheapest there,18 and 22 cents cheaper than in Germany. Those planning further trips to the Baltic countries will find fuel cheaper than in Germany, but more expensive compared to Poland. If you're heading to Hungary or Slovakia via the Czech Republic, fill up in the transit country.
Heading North
If you're bound for Denmark, fill up before you leave: Super petrol costs a whopping 23 cents more than in Germany, and diesel jumps by 14 cents. However, the picture brightens when heading to Sweden. Super drops by a considerable 28 cents relative to Germany, and diesel sees a smaller dip of 9 cents.
The reasons for the price differences are typically different taxes and levy, and oil price fluctuations usually affect all nations similarly. Therefore, the differences - calculated based on figures from 26 May, with newer data unavailable - are relatively stable.
Price fluctuations can be seen based on the petrol station, time of day, region, and whether you're on the highway or a country road. Usually, the differences are lower near the border.
Altering your route to save on fuel and tolerating detours is likely helpful only rarely. Not only do they incur time and harm the environment, but even if you only consider low travel costs of 30 cents per kilometer, the advantage quickly erodes.
Those who prefer not to fuel up abroad should do so best in the evening before departure. Fuel is typically cheaper then than in the morning.
Factors Affecting Price Differences
- Taxes and Levies: European nations impose high taxes on fuel, contributing significantly to the retail price. In some countries, taxes can constitute over 60% of the pump price[1][2][3].
- Import Costs: Nations importing more fuel, particularly if they aren't oil producers, typically have higher prices.
- Supply Chain and Refining: The refining of diesel is generally more expensive compared to distribution, impacting pricing, but in many European countries, high taxes on petrol make it more expensive overall[1][2][3].
- Subsidies and Regulation: Some countries with regulated fuel markets or subsidies for specific types of fuel have lower prices, but this is rare in the EU[1][2][3].
Summary Table
| Direction | Example Countries | Petrol (Euro 95) Price (€/L) | Diesel Price (€/L) | Notes on Taxes/Charges ||-----------|----------------------|-------------------------------|-------------------|-------------------------------|| South | Italy, Spain | 1.65–2.00 | Slightly lower | High taxes and import costs || West | France, Germany | 1.90–2.05 | 1.65–1.95 | Very high taxes || East | Poland, Romania | 1.50–1.65 | Similar | Lower taxes || North | Sweden, UK | 1.55–2.10 | 1.63–2.05 | Scandinavia: high taxes; UK: moderate taxes |
Key Takeaways
- Fuel prices in Europe vary greatly by region, with Western and Northern countries boasting consistently high prices due to heavy taxation.
- Eastern countries and the UK (despite high taxes) still have relatively lower prices thanks to various tax structures and proximity to supply sources.
- Taxes and charges remain the main drivers of differences in fuel prices across Europe[1][2][3].
Considering your lifestyle and financial plans, it's wise to plan your fuel stops strategically while traveling across Europe. For example, if you're traveling south, fill up in Slovakia for cheaper petrol and diesel than in Germany and Italy. On the other hand, if you're heading west, consider fueling up in Luxembourg for the most wallet-friendly choices. As for travelers bound for Poland or the Czech Republic, they'll find the cheapest petrol and diesel in Germany's proximity, making it a smart choice before venturing east. Keep in mind that taxes and charges remain the primary drivers of fuel price differences across Europe, with Western and Northern countries generally experiencing higher prices due to heavy taxation.
