Fuel prices vary widely: cheapest gas stations in the Netherlands revealed
Drivers searching for the cheapest fuel in the Netherlands should head to Havelte. A study by MultiTankcard, which analyzed 3,500 gas stations nationwide, found that Kreuze in the Drenthe village offered the lowest average price for E10 gasoline in 2023 at 1.7125 euros per liter, De Telegraaf reported. Diesel drivers, meanwhile, saw the lowest prices in Steenwijk, where Fieten Olie charged an average of 1.5097 euros per liter.
The winners in both categories received the Slim Tanken Award, an annual recognition now in its sixth year. Gerard Meijer, owner of Tankstation Kreuze in Havelte, expressed pride in receiving the distinction. “We are incredibly proud and grateful,” he said. “As a small family business with over 50 years of experience, we keep costs low through efficiency and smart work. With a compact team, we run three stations, a car wash, our own fuel tankers, and a mini storage facility. This allows us to serve customers affordably without compromising on quality.”
The study also revealed that stations away from highways remain significantly cheaper than those located along major roads. In 2024, the price difference widened to 17.5 cents per liter for E10 gasoline, compared to 15.2 cents in 2023 and 14.3 cents the year before. MultiTankcard director Patrick Roozeman said the growing gap translates to noticeable savings for drivers. “On a 40-liter tank, that’s a saving of 7 euros, which adds up quickly.”
The findings underscored persistent regional disparities in fuel prices. Residents in Meppel in Drenthe, Heerenveen in Friesland, and Peel en Maas in Limburg benefited from some of the lowest fuel prices in the country. In contrast, drivers on the Wadden Islands faced significantly higher costs. In Hollum and Nes on Ameland, the price for a liter of E10 gasoline reached 2.3529 euros and 2.2621 euros, respectively. On the mainland, stations in Tzummarum in Friesland, Oirlo in Limburg, and Hooglanderveen in Utrecht were identified among the most expensive for fuel.
Fuel prices in the Netherlands continue to be influenced by global events. After the U.S. elections and expectations surrounding Donald Trump’s policies, the dollar’s rise against the euro made oil more expensive for Europe, contributing to increased gasoline and diesel costs.
Roozeman noted that a planned excise tax adjustment in the Netherlands has not yet taken effect, giving drivers temporary relief. “This has provided motorists with a benefit of 8 cents per liter on gasoline and more than 5 cents on diesel. It offers some breathing room during uncertain times, as global political tensions and market developments continue to impact prices.”
While fuel transactions have declined, MultiTankcard reported an increase in electric charging transactions. However, Roozeman pointed to challenges with pricing transparency for electric vehicle owners, as rates are often tied to the combination of charging cards and stations. Additional fees, such as parking costs or charges for overstaying, can sometimes inflate the final price per kilowatt-hour.
Despite the growth in electric vehicle use, the Slim Tanken Award remains focused on traditional fuels. “Maybe next year there will be an award for electric charging,” Roozeman said with a laugh.
