Gas Up Smart for Your Summer Holidays: Fuel Economy Guide Across Europe
Preparing for Pentecost: Sources for Fueling Up Before the Celebration
Get ready for your Whitsun adventure! Keeping an eye on fuel prices could save you enough money for those first holiday treats. Here's a breakdown of current fuel prices across Europe based on data from the EU Commission, with some extra insights to help you save those pennies.
Cruising Southbound
Austria offers a fuel savings opportunity, with petrol at 22 cents less and diesel at 6 cents cheaper than in Germany. It's worth driving a bit further or just filling up halfway if it's a transit stop. As you move through the region, fuel prices differ. For instance, Italy charges more than Austria, but prices drop in Slovenia, Croatia, or Hungary. Take a quick glance at the map, and make your choice wisely. Slovakia's diesel prices are cheaper than Austria and even Germany.
Switzerland might not be the best pit stop, as there's no significant savings there compared to neighboring countries. Driving towards Italy from Switzerland? Fill up on diesel beforehand, as Italy's prices can be a bit steep.
Westward Bound
France is almost on par with Germany when it comes to fuel. Prepare for some savings in Spain, especially on petrol. Belgium offers cheaper petrol (16 cents less than Germany) but dearer diesel (7 cents more expensive). The Netherlands and Luxembourg may not be your best bet, as fuel costs 17 and 7 cents more for petrol and 14 and 16 cents more for diesel, respectively. But Luxembourg has the cheapest fuel prices in the west, offering potential savings of 24-16 cents on petrol and diesel.
Heading East
If you're venturing eastward, look no further than Poland and the Czech Republic for the most budget-friendly fuel. They boast the cheapest petrol, offering savings of up to 35 cents compared to Germany, and the difference in diesel prices is even more significant. Beyond these countries, expect fuel costs to be lower than Germany but more than Poland. If you're passing through the Czech Republic on your way to Hungary or Slovakia, consider filling up in the transit country.
Northbound Expedition
Denmark isn't the best pick for a fuel top-up. Petrol hits your wallet 23 cents harder than in Germany, whereas diesel costs 14 cents more. However, Sweden offers a more pocket-friendly fuel alternative, with petrol being 28 cents cheaper than in Germany and diesel 9 cents cheaper.
Price differences are usually a result of varying taxes and charges. Oil price fluctuations affect most countries, causing differences that, while not immense, remain relatively steady.
Timing matters when fueling up. You can enjoy a few cents' worth of savings by indulging in an evening fill-up the night before departure rather than in the early morning.
While adjusting travel routes for cheaper fuel might seem tempting, it's often unwarranted, considering the time wasted and the environmental impact. Fuel-efficient vehicles and thorough route planning are the keys to a wallet-friendly trip. Happy travels!
Considering the fuel price differences, choosing Slovakia for diesel filling might save you money compared to Austria and Germany. On the other hand, if you're planning to drive to Italy from Switzerland, filling up on diesel in Switzerland could help you avoid more expensive fuel prices in Italy. Additionally, adjusting travel routes for cheaper fuel might not always be the best choice due to time wasted and environmental impact, so opting for fuel-efficient vehicles and thorough route planning could lead to a more wallet-friendly and eco-friendly journey.
