Preparing for Pentecost Holidays? Secure Your Fuel Supplies Ahead of Time
Fuel Up Wisely: Your Holiday Guide to European Gas Prices
Looking to save a few bucks on gas during your Whitsun getaway? Here's a yarn on how to fill 'er up without breaking the bank across Europe. Take note, mate, as fuel costs vary depending on the destination:
Heading South or Eastbound
If you're headed to the sunny south or the exotic east, there's good news! Gas prices in Austria are cheaper than Germany, with petrol costing 22 cents less and diesel 6 cents least. However, it pays to consider the final destination. Fuel in Italy is pricier than Austria, but cheaper in Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, or Slovakia, so it might be sensible to drive a bit further or only half-fill 'er up in Austria.
Switzerland isn't your best bet for saving on fuel. Although data from the European Commission is scarce, information from the Touring Club Switzerland reports that fuel is more expensive there compared to Germany, Italy, or France. Fill 'er up before entering Switzerland if heading to Italy.
Heading Westward
France is close to par with Germany when it comes to gas prices. However, those bound for Spain can save a pretty penny in the destination country. Belgium offers cheaper petrol, 16 cents below the German mark, but fees you 7 cents more for diesel. The Netherlands and Luxembourg might drain your wallet, with the former 17 and 7 cents pricier for both petrol and diesel, and the latter being the cheapest in the west, slashing 24 cents off petrol and 16 cents off diesel costs.
Heading North
Naval gaze towards Denmark, and it's best to fill 'er up before you go: super petrol costs 23 cents more, and diesel 14 cents more than in Germany. But don't fret, Sweden offers cheaper fuel with super petrol at 28 cents less and diesel 9 cents cheaper than German rates.
Remember, the reasons for these price differences are mainly varying taxes and charges. Fluctuations in oil prices tend to affect all countries, but these differences are relatively stable, thanks to data from May 26. Prices may, nonetheless, vary depending on the petrol station, time of day, region, or whether you're cruising on the motorway or a country road.
Taking detours for cheaper fuel or calculating costs down to the driven kilometer may not be worth your while, as it eats time and resources, not to mention the greenhouse gas emissions. Save yourself the trouble and fill 'er up the night before departure, as fuel prices are often cheaper then than in the morning.
Insights:- In Europe, gas prices vary greatly, with countries like Denmark and the Netherlands boasting significantly higher prices than the average, while Bulgaria offers the cheapest gas prices2.- France and the Netherlands have seen significant diesel price drops, with France's prices falling by 6.6% since the start of 2025 and the Netherlands experiencing an 8.1% decrease5.
If you're considering a lifestyle change that involves traveling and managing your finances, you might want to consider exploring Europe to take advantage of cheaper gas prices. For instance, in Austria, gas is cheaper than in Germany, making it a cost-effective option for travelers heading south or east. On the other hand, if you're planning a trip to the Netherlands, be prepared for higher fuel costs, as it has some of the most expensive gas prices in Europe.
