This guide covers what petrol and diesel are called in each country, which stations are self-service, how payment works at unmanned pumps, and where fuel is usually cheaper. The pump labels differ from the UK and in some countries you pay before you fill, so it's worth ten minutes before you go.
Understanding Fuel Names Across Europe
The biggest source of confusion is simply knowing which pump to use. Fuel names vary wildly from country to country, and misfuelling can cause serious engine damage costing thousands to repair.
Petrol (Gasoline) Names by Country
- France: Sans Plomb 95 or Sans Plomb 98 (unleaded 95 or 98 octane)
- Germany: Super (95, E5), Super E10 (95, E10) or Super Plus (98)
- Italy: Benzina or Senza Piombo
- Spain: Gasolina Sin Plomo 95 or 98
- Portugal: Gasolina Sem Chumbo
- Netherlands: Euro 95 or Euro 98
- Greece: Amolivdi (Amolvdh) or Venzini
- Croatia: Eurosuper 95
- Poland: Benzyna or Pb95/Pb98
- Czech Republic: Natural 95 or Natural 98
Diesel Names by Country
- France: Gazole or Gasoil (not to be confused with Gasolina in Spain!)
- Germany: Diesel
- Italy: Gasolio
- Spain: Gasóleo or Diésel
- Portugal: Gasóleo
- Netherlands: Diesel
- Greece: Petrelaio (diesel)
- Poland: Olej Napędowy or ON
The nozzle colour is not standardised across Europe. In the UK, diesel is typically black and petrol green, but in many continental countries diesel nozzles are often yellow or black while petrol can be green. Always read the label rather than relying on colour.
Self-Service vs Attended Stations
The split between self-service and attended stations varies a lot, and it affects what you pay.
Countries Where Attended Service is Common
- Italy: Many stations have both servito (attended) and fai da te (self-service) pumps. Attended service typically costs 10-15 cents more per litre. Self-service pumps at unmanned hours often only accept Italian bank cards or pre-paid cards.
- Greece: Most stations are attended, and tipping the attendant a euro or two is appreciated but not required.
- Portugal: Attendants are common, particularly at smaller stations outside cities.
Countries That Are Predominantly Self-Service
- Germany, Netherlands, Scandinavia, France: Almost entirely self-service. Automated 24-hour stations are widespread.
- Spain: Self-service with a cashier inside the shop building.
In Italy, many motorway stations close their manned pumps between 13:00 and 15:30 for lunch. The automated pumps stay open but may require a chip-and-PIN card or cash. Always fill up before heading onto the autostrada if your tank is below half.
Payment Methods and Common Pitfalls
Payment is where things get tricky for travellers, especially at automated stations.
Card Payments
- Chip and PIN is standard across Europe. Contactless is increasingly accepted but not universal at pumps.
- Pre-authorisation holds: Many pumps place a temporary hold of EUR 100-150 on your card before dispensing. This can be a problem if you are close to your credit limit or using a debit card with limited funds.
- Dutch and Scandinavian automated stations often require a PIN even for credit cards. If your card only has a signature, you may be stuck.
- Italian unmanned stations at night or weekends frequently reject foreign cards. Carry cash as backup.
Cash Payments
- Accepted at all manned stations. Some automated stations in Italy accept EUR 5, 10, and 20 notes.
- In countries outside the eurozone (Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary), pay in local currency rather than accepting a conversion to pounds at the pump.
Fuel Cards and Apps
- Shell App: Works across 20+ European countries. Pay via phone, earn rewards, find nearby stations.
- DKV, UTA, Eurowag: Primarily for commercial vehicles but available to private travellers doing extended trips.
- Circle K: Strong network in Scandinavia, Poland, and the Baltics.
- TotalEnergies App: Covers France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg.
Fuel Prices Across Europe: What to Expect
Prices vary a lot between neighbouring countries, so on a long trip it pays to know where to fill up. The figures below are a rough guide and move with oil prices and tax changes, so check a price app before you go.
Approximate Petrol Prices (per litre, rough guide)
- Cheapest: Luxembourg (EUR 1.35-1.45), Poland (EUR 1.30-1.40), Spain (EUR 1.40-1.50), Austria (EUR 1.40-1.50)
- Mid-range: France (EUR 1.65-1.80), Germany (EUR 1.60-1.75), Portugal (EUR 1.60-1.70)
- Expensive: Netherlands (EUR 1.90-2.10), Denmark (EUR 1.80-1.95), Norway (EUR 1.90-2.10), Iceland (EUR 2.00+)
If your route passes through Luxembourg, fill up there. Lower fuel tax makes it one of the cheapest places in Western Europe, and the country is small enough that you need to plan the stop. Andorra works the same way for the Pyrenees.
Motorway vs Off-Motorway Pricing
Motorway service stations (on top of any tolls) typically charge 10-30 cents more per litre than stations in towns just off the motorway. In France, the difference can be as much as 20-25 cents per litre. In Italy, motorway prices are consistently 15-20 cents higher. It is almost always worth taking a 2-minute detour off the motorway to fill up.
Useful Price Comparison Tools
- France: prix-carburants.gouv.fr (official government site, updated in real time)
- Germany: Clever-Tanken or ADAC Spritpreise apps
- Italy: Prezzi Benzina app
- Spain: Gasolineras España app
- Pan-European: Waze and Google Maps both show fuel prices in many countries
Country-Specific Quirks and Rules
France
Supermarket fuel stations (Carrefour, Leclerc, Intermarché) are consistently 5-15 cents cheaper per litre than branded stations. They are self-service and accept international cards reliably. Many close at 21:00-22:00, but the automated pumps stay open 24/7.
Germany
Prices change several times a day. Fuel is usually most expensive first thing in the morning and cheapest in the evening, and the ADAC regularly reports swings of around 10 cents per litre within a day. Clever-Tanken or the ADAC app will show you the current price before you stop.
Italy
Motorway stations in Italy are among the most expensive in Europe. The servito price at a motorway station can be EUR 0.25-0.30 more per litre than self-service at a supermarket station in town. Autogrill stops are convenient but costly.
Scandinavia
Unmanned stations (Circle K, OKQ8, St1) are cheaper than manned ones. They operate entirely on card payment. Make sure your card works before you find yourself at an unmanned station with an empty tank in rural Norway.
Eastern Europe
Fuel quality varies. Stick to reputable brands (MOL in Hungary, Orlen in Poland, OMV in Austria and Romania) for consistent fuel quality. Supermarket fuel in Eastern Europe does not have the same reliability reputation as in Western Europe.
Essential Tips for Fuelling on a European Road Trip
- Never let your tank drop below a quarter. In rural areas of Spain, Greece, southern Italy, and Scandinavia, petrol stations can be 50-100 km apart.
- Carry a backup payment method. A second card from a different bank, plus EUR 50-100 in cash, will save you from being stranded.
- Download fuel apps before you leave. Many need mobile data, so set them up on WiFi. Our guide to motorway services in Europe covers the stops themselves.
- Know your fuel type before you arrive. Photograph or note down your vehicle's fuel type and the foreign name before you get to the pump.
- Watch for AdBlue. If you drive a modern diesel, check whether you need to top up AdBlue (called AUS 32 in some countries). Running out triggers limp mode on many vehicles.
- Check Sunday and holiday closures. In rural France, Spain, and Greece, smaller stations close on Sundays and public holidays.
- Use the right octane. If your car requires 98 octane (typically performance or premium vehicles), do not use 95. Conversely, if your car runs on 95, there is no benefit to paying for 98.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I put the wrong fuel in my car in Europe?
Do not start the engine. Misfuelling (petrol in a diesel or vice versa) can cause serious damage. Call the station attendant or your breakdown service immediately. The tank needs to be drained and flushed, which costs EUR 200-500 at a garage. Starting the engine with the wrong fuel can turn this into a EUR 3,000-5,000 repair bill. Most rental car insurance policies do not cover misfuelling.
Can I use my UK or US credit card at European fuel stations?
Chip and PIN cards generally work at manned stations. At unmanned automated stations (common in the Netherlands, Scandinavia, and at night in France and Italy), foreign cards are sometimes rejected. Visa and Mastercard have the best acceptance. American Express is rarely accepted at fuel stations in continental Europe. Always carry a backup card and some cash.