How much can you save by shopping around for fuel?

Fuel prices can vary by 10-15p per litre within the same town. For a typical 50-litre fill, that is a saving of £5-7.50 per fill. Over a year with monthly fills, that can add up to £60-90. Supermarket fuel is typically the cheapest.

Is supermarket fuel lower quality?

No. All fuel sold in the UK must meet the same British Standards (BS EN 228 for petrol, BS EN 590 for diesel). Supermarket fuel comes from the same refineries as branded fuel. The main difference is in the additive packages, which branded fuels claim offer extra engine cleaning benefits.

Is it worth driving further to find cheaper fuel?

Generally no. If you need to drive more than a mile or two out of your way, the extra fuel used may outweigh the savings. A 5p per litre saving on a 50-litre fill saves just £2.50, which could easily be consumed by a detour.

Is supermarket fuel lower quality than branded fuel?

All UK fuel must meet BS EN 228 (petrol) or BS EN 590 (diesel) standards. Supermarket fuel meets the same base standards as branded fuel. Premium branded fuels contain additional detergent additives, but standard fuel from any retailer is perfectly adequate for normal driving.

Why are motorway service station fuel prices so high?

Motorway services charge 15-20p per litre more than high street stations. They have a captive audience and higher operating costs. The cheapest option is to leave the motorway at a junction and find a nearby supermarket. Planning fuel stops before your journey can save significant amounts.

CarCalcs

Fuel Price Comparison Calculator

Compare fuel prices at different stations and see how much you save by shopping around.

Litres Per Fill

Fills Per Month

Station 1 Price

Station 2 Price

How We Calculate This

This calculator compares the cost of filling up at two different stations and projects the annual saving.

The Calculation

Cost per fill = Litres x (Price per litre / 100)
Saving per fill = |Cost at Station 1 - Cost at Station 2|
Annual saving = Saving per fill x Fills per month x 12

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Actual figures may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle specifications, and other factors.