Is fuel cheaper in France than the UK?

Yes, fuel in France is typically 10-20p per litre cheaper than in the UK. Supermarket stations (Leclerc, Carrefour, Auchan) near Calais and Dunkirk offer the best prices. Many British drivers fill up immediately after crossing the Channel. Diesel savings tend to be larger than petrol savings due to the UK's higher diesel duty.

Which European country has the cheapest fuel?

Luxembourg consistently has the cheapest fuel in Western Europe, thanks to very low fuel taxes. Prices are typically 20-30p per litre below UK levels. Spain, Portugal, and Austria also offer significant savings. Eastern European countries like Poland and Czech Republic are even cheaper but are further from the UK.

Can I bring fuel back from Europe in a jerry can?

You can bring fuel in your vehicle's tank without any limit. For additional fuel in portable containers, the UK allows up to 20 litres per jerry can in appropriate metal or approved plastic containers. However, ferry operators and Eurotunnel have their own rules — most allow one 5-10 litre container per vehicle. Check with your operator before travelling.

UK vs Europe Fuel Prices: How Much Could You Save Abroad?

The UK has some of the highest fuel prices in Europe, driven by fuel duty and VAT that together account for roughly 50% of the pump price. For the millions of British drivers who cross the Channel each year — whether for holidays, business, or day trips — filling up abroad can mean substantial savings. This guide breaks down the price differences country by country and shares practical tips for fuelling on the Continent.

UK vs France: The Channel Crossing Advantage

France is the most accessible European fuel market for British drivers, and the savings are real. French fuel prices are typically 10-20p per litre lower than in the UK, with diesel showing the largest gap. The cheapest stations are the supermarket forecourts — Leclerc, Carrefour, Auchan, and Intermarché — which operate on thin margins and frequently run promotions.

If you're arriving via Calais or Dunkirk by ferry, you'll find several supermarket stations within minutes of the port. The Cité Europe shopping centre near the Eurotunnel terminal has a Carrefour with consistently competitive prices. For drivers heading south on the A26 or A1, stopping at a supermarket station near the first major town saves significantly compared to motorway service areas, which charge a 15-25 centime premium.

On a typical 60-litre fill, you can save £6-12 compared to UK prices. For families driving to the south of France, filling up twice on the way down can save £12-24 — enough to cover a meal out.

UK vs Spain and Portugal: Holiday Driving Savings

Spain and Portugal are popular driving holiday destinations for Brits, and both offer meaningfully cheaper fuel. Spanish prices run 15-25p per litre below UK levels, while Portugal is slightly more expensive than Spain but still 10-18p cheaper than the UK.

In Spain, the major chains Repsol, Cepsa, and Galp offer reliable quality and widespread coverage. Low-cost operators like Petroprix, Ballenoil, and Plenoil can be even cheaper — often 5-8 centimes below the branded stations. For drivers entering from France via the A9 motorway, the first Spanish stations at La Jonquera and Le Perthus offer immediate savings.

In Portugal, Galp is the dominant brand, with Prio and Repsol also widely available. Prices are regulated and transparently published, making it easy to plan stops. If you're driving the Algarve coast or heading to Lisbon, fuel costs will be noticeably lower than what you left behind in the UK.

UK vs Luxembourg and Belgium: Transit Stop Savings

Luxembourg deserves special mention as the cheapest fuel market in Western Europe. With fuel taxes far below its neighbours, prices are typically 20-30p per litre below UK levels. If your route passes through the Benelux region — for example, driving to Germany, Switzerland, or southern France via the eastern route — a fuel stop in Luxembourg is one of the smartest moves you can make.

The tiny country is easy to cross, and major stations cluster along the A1 and A6 motorways. Wasserbillig, near the German border, and Dudelange, near France, are popular stops. There are no motorway tolls in Luxembourg.

Belgium offers more modest savings — typically 5-12p per litre below the UK on diesel, with petrol savings varying. Belgian motorways are toll-free for cars, and supermarket chains like Colruyt offer competitive pricing. For drivers heading to or from Calais, a slight detour through Belgium can pay off.

Why European Fuel Is Often Cheaper

The UK's high fuel prices are primarily driven by taxation. UK fuel duty sits at 52.95p per litre, plus 20% VAT on top of the duty-inclusive price. This double taxation means that roughly half of every pound you spend at a UK pump goes to the government.

European countries generally have lower duty rates. Luxembourg's fuel tax is among the lowest in the EU. Spain and Portugal apply lower VAT rates to fuel. France's taxes are high by European standards but still below the UK. Germany taxes petrol less than the UK but diesel more heavily, creating an unusual situation where only petrol offers savings for British drivers.

Beyond taxation, competition plays a role. French supermarket stations, Spanish low-cost operators, and Luxembourg's concentrated fuel market all create downward pressure on prices that benefits consumers.

Tips for Fuelling Abroad

Payment: Visa and Mastercard are accepted at virtually all European stations. Contactless payment works widely. Some unmanned stations may require a chip and PIN card. Avoid currency conversion at the terminal — always pay in the local currency (euros) to get the best exchange rate.
Fuel grades: E5 (or SP95) is equivalent to UK premium unleaded. E10 (SP95-E10) is the standard grade in most of Europe and is compatible with nearly all cars built after 2011. B7 diesel is the European standard, equivalent to UK diesel. Check your vehicle handbook if unsure.
Apps and price comparison: use Benzio to compare prices across countries and find the cheapest station on your route. In France, the government's prix-carburants.gouv.fr site also provides transparent pricing.
Avoid motorway services: just as in the UK, motorway service stations in Europe charge a significant premium — 15-25 centimes per litre in France, similar in other countries. Exit the motorway and drive 2-3 minutes to a local station for much better prices.

For more ways to cut your fuel costs, read our guide on how to save on fuel, compare BP prices across the UK, or check out our regional breakdown of fuel prices in England.