One of the most common questions UK drivers ask is whether they should pay extra for branded fuel or save money at supermarket forecourts. Let's separate fact from fiction.
All UK Fuel Meets the Same Standards
Every drop of petrol and diesel sold in the UK — whether from Tesco, Shell, or BP — must meet British Standard EN 228 for petrol and EN 590 for diesel. This means the base fuel is essentially identical regardless of where you buy it.
Most UK fuel comes from the same refineries and is transported in shared pipelines. Supermarkets often source their fuel from the same suppliers as premium brands.
What's Different: Additives
The main difference between branded and supermarket fuel is the additive package:
Branded Fuel Additives
- Shell V-Power: Contains friction-reducing additives and higher octane (99 RON)
- BP Ultimate: Includes engine-cleaning detergents
- Esso Synergy: Features deposit-prevention technology
Supermarket Fuel
Supermarket fuel contains the minimum required additives to meet British Standards, but nothing extra. This is perfectly adequate for normal driving.
Does Premium Fuel Make a Difference?
For most cars, the answer is no. Unless your vehicle specifically requires high-octane fuel (check your manual), you won't see performance benefits from premium petrol.
Premium fuel may benefit: - High-performance sports cars - Turbocharged engines that specify 97+ RON - Older cars with carbon deposit buildup (the cleaning additives can help)
The Real Cost Difference
At current prices, branded fuel typically costs 8-12p per litre more than supermarket fuel. On a 50-litre tank, that's £4-6 extra every fill-up — or £200-300 per year for average drivers.
Our Recommendation
For the vast majority of UK drivers, supermarket fuel offers excellent value. The base fuel is identical, and your car will run perfectly well on it.
Consider branded premium fuel if: - Your car manufacturer specifically recommends it - You drive a high-performance vehicle - You want occasional engine cleaning (using premium once every few tanks)
Use our fuel price map to find the cheapest petrol and diesel near you — whether that's a supermarket or a branded station.