Saving on Fuel: A Vacationer's Guide to Cheap Gas and Diesel Across Europe
Find the lowest priced gas stations in your area
Fuel prices can make a significant impact on your budget during European vacations. Here's a breakdown of current gasoline and diesel prices in various European countries:
Vacationing South? Fuel Up Wisely
- Austria offers cheaper gasoline (22 cents cheaper for gasoline, 6 cents cheaper for diesel compared to Germany). However, it can be more cost-effective to fill up in Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, or Hungary if they're your destination.
- Switzerland isn't the best country to tank up in — fuel prices are over Germany, Italy, or France's. If you're traveling towards Italy, fill up before crossing the border.
- Belgium boasts cheaper gasoline (16 cents cheaper) but more expensive diesel (7 cents more expensive) compared to Germany.
- Luxembourg is the cheapest in the West, with savings of 24 cents on gasoline and 16 cents on diesel.
Heading West? Keep These in Mind
- France is almost equal in terms of fuel prices with Germany.
- Spain offers significant savings in fuel costs for those traveling to the destination country.
- The Netherlands is more expensive, with gasoline and diesel 17 cents and 7 cents pricier than in Germany, respectively.
Eastbound? Fuel Economically in Poland and the Czech Republic
Both countries offer cheaper gasoline (prices are 35 cents lower) and diesel (prices are 18 and 22 cents lower).
Journeying North? Check These Out
- Before heading to Denmark, fill up in Germany as super gasoline is 23 cents more expensive there, and diesel is 14 cents costlier.
- If you continue to Sweden, fuel becomes much cheaper — super gasoline is 28 cents cheaper, and diesel is 9 cents cheaper than in Germany.
Picking the Right Route for Cheap Fuel
The reason for the price differences usually lies in various taxes and levies. Fluctuations in oil prices affect all countries, however. The differences between countries, presented here based on May 26th data, remain relatively stable. Prices might vary depending on the gas station, time of day, region, highway or country road, and proximity to the border.
Detouring for cheaper fuel may only be worthwhile in rare instances. Not only does it consume time and resources, but it also contributes to environmental degradation. Even if you calculate with relatively low costs of 30 cents per kilometer driven, the advantage melts away quickly.
For the best savings, fuel up in the evening before departure. This usually results in a few cents cheaper than in the morning.
Source: ntv.de, chl/dpa
- European Vacation
- Gasoline Prices
- Diesel
Fuel Cost Comparisons Across Europe
- Eastern Europe commonly offers lower fuel prices compared to Western Europe.
- Price Variability: Prices may change significantly due to taxes and economic policies across different countries.
Cheapest Fuel Countries
- Bulgaria offers the lowest gasoline prices at approximately €1.19 per liter[2].
- Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, and Andorra provide cheaper diesel options.
Enjoy your European vacation cost-effectively with this handy guide to cheap fuel across the continent!
[1] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EU_weighted_average_fuel_prices[2] driveeurope.com/fuel-prices/european-fuel-prices[3] dieselnet.de/starpreise/preise/europa/[4] bp.com/en/company/energy-economics/statistical-review-world-energy/world-energy-market-statistics/gas-oil-prices/[5] fuelprice.net/europe/
- In planning your European vacation, it's important to consider adopting a community policy that prioritizes fuel-efficient transportation, such as choosing public transportation or carpooling when possible, to reduce overall fuel consumption and align with home-and-garden lifestyle principles of environmental conservation.
- Employment policies focused on flexible work hours and remote work options can also contribute to a cost-effective European vacation by reducing personal travel and commuting expenses associated with traditional employment structures, thereby allowing for more savings on travel and lifestyle expenses.