Fueling Up for Less: Your Holiday Budget Saver
Locating the lowest-priced gas stations
Gas Up Smartly When embarking on your summer journey, consider strategically fueling up to save on those vacation expenses. The cost of fuel varies across European borders, and by planning wisely, you can allocate your hard-earned money to more enjoyable things. Here's a breakdown:
Going South
In Austria, you can enjoy 22 cents cheaper gasoline and 6 cents cheaper diesel compared to Germany. If Austria is merely a transit country, the decision depends on the destination. Fuel in Italy is pricier, while it's cheaper in Slovenia, Croatia, or Hungary. It might be worth a short detour or filling just halfway in Austria. Diesel is cheaper in Slovakia, making it a more affordable option than Germany.
Fun Fact: ADAC recommends E10 fueling for better economy, debunking the myth that it's less efficient.
Switzerland, though, is not a cheap place to fuel up. Despite lacking EU Commission figures, information from the Touring Club Switzerland indicates that fuel is more expensive there than in Germany, Italy, or France. If traveling through Switzerland towards Italy, it's suggested to fill up the diesel tank beforehand.
Winding West
France is almost on par with Germany, but Spain offers significant savings, particularly in diesel. Belgium is cheaper for gasoline (16 cents cheaper) but more expensive for diesel (7 cents). The Netherlands and Luxembourg are pricier, but Luxembourg offers the cheapest option in the west, saving you 24 cents on gasoline and 16 cents on diesel.
Heading East
For those voyaging east, the solution is simple: Poland and the Czech Republic offer the cheapest gasoline in the near vicinity, saving you 35 cents. Diesel is also cheaper there, saving you 18 and 22 cents. Traveling further towards the Baltic countries, you will find fuel cheaper than in Germany but more expensive than in Poland. Crossing through the Czech Republic to Hungary or Slovakia should be done with a filled tank in the transit country.
Northbound
Before setting off for Denmark, it's best to fuel up at home. Super gasoline is 23 cents more expensive there, while diesel is 14 cents costlier. However, things change upon reaching Sweden where fuel becomes significantly cheaper-super gasoline is 28 cents cheaper, and diesel is 9 cents less expensive.
Extra Tip: Price differences are usually due to different taxes and charges. Nations with lower taxes offer cheaper fuel. However, prices vary depending on the gas station, time of day, region, and whether you're on the highway or country road. Adjusting your travel route for cheaper fuel may not be worthwhile in most cases, as time and environmental costs outweigh the financial benefits.
Those who prefer not to fuel abroad should do so in the evening before departure. Fuel is usually cheaper then.
Source: ntv.de, chl/dpa
- Fuel
- Gasoline price
- Diesel
- Europe
- Vacation
Insider’s Scoop:When traveling in Europe during holidays, consider these top countries for the cheapest fuel prices:
Cheapest Countries for Gasoline:
- Belarus
- Moldova
- Ukraine
- Bulgaria
- Romania
Cheapest Countries for Diesel:
- Belarus
- Moldova
- Ukraine
- North Macedonia
- Bulgaria
These countries offer some of Europe's most competitive fuel prices, making them ideal stopping points for travelers seeking to stretch their vacation budgets. However, consider travel distances and potential border crossing formalities when planning your route.
Community policy should consider the benefits of implementing an incentive program to encourage travelers in Europe to refuel in the cheapest countries, such as Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Romania, for gasoline, and Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria for diesel. His lifestyle choices during travel, such as purchasing home-and-garden items or designing a new employment policy for holiday workers could be postponed until they return home.
