With fuel prices varying significantly between brands, knowing where to fill up can save you hundreds of pounds a year. Here's how UK fuel retailers typically compare on price.
Supermarkets: Usually Cheapest
On average, supermarket forecourts offer the lowest fuel prices in the UK:
Price Rankings (Typical)
- Asda — Often the cheapest, with a price-matching policy
- Sainsbury's — Competitive pricing, especially in urban areas
- Tesco — Generally matches supermarket rivals
- Morrisons — Comparable to other supermarkets
Supermarkets typically price fuel 4-8p per litre below branded stations. On a 50-litre fill-up, that's £2-4 saved.
Branded Stations: Premium Pricing
Major oil company forecourts tend to charge more:
Typical Price Order (Most to Least Expensive)
- Motorway services — Often 15-20p/litre above average
- BP — Premium pricing, especially on Ultimate fuels
- Shell — Similar to BP
- Esso — Usually slightly below BP/Shell
- Texaco — Mid-range pricing
Why the Price Difference?
Several factors explain why supermarkets can offer lower prices:
- Fuel as a loss-leader — Supermarkets accept thin margins on fuel to attract shoppers who'll spend in-store
- Volume — High throughput allows lower margins per litre
- No franchise fees — Branded stations often pay royalties
- Simpler offerings — Less variety means lower costs
Regional Variations
Prices vary significantly by location:
- Cheapest areas: Northern England, Scotland, Wales
- Most expensive: London, South East, rural areas
- Motorway premium: 10-20p above local prices
Independent Stations
Don't overlook independent forecourts. Many offer competitive prices: - Gulf — Often competitively priced - Jet — Frequently matches supermarket prices - Local independents — Can be cheapest in some areas
The Catch with "Cheap" Fuel
Beware of these traps:
- Distance — Driving 5 miles for cheaper fuel often costs more than the saving
- Small differences — 1p/litre = 50p per tank; hardly worth a detour
- Convenience — Time has value too
How to Actually Find the Cheapest Fuel
Rather than assuming one brand is always cheapest, check real-time prices in your area:
- Use our fuel price map to see current prices near you
- Check the dashboard for national averages by brand
- Save favourite cheap stations in your garage
Our Recommendation
- For everyday driving: Supermarket fuel offers the best value
- For long journeys: Plan your fuel stops to avoid motorway services
- For convenience: Any nearby station with reasonable prices
The smartest approach is checking actual prices rather than assuming any brand is always cheapest. Prices change daily, and local competition matters more than brand.
Compare live fuel prices near you on our interactive map.