Netherlands has Europe’s highest highway gasoline prices; Spain is cheapest
Dutch holidaymakers driving across Europe this summer can find the lowest fuel prices in Spain, while the Netherlands has the highest average gasoline prices along highways, according to an ANWB study. The organization found large differences in fuel costs between countries and between highway and non-highway gas stations.
Spain has replaced Luxembourg as the cheapest European country for both gasoline and diesel. Luxembourg had long been considered the main destination for affordable fuel.
“That image is still correct. However, Spain is the cheapest this summer for both gasoline and diesel. For holidaymakers driving to the Spanish coast, that can make a significant difference,” said Joris van Drooge of ANWB.
ANWB analyzed current prices for gasoline, diesel, and electric charging in the Netherlands and eight of the most popular countries among Dutch travelers who take road trips abroad.
Energy prices have risen sharply since the start of the conflict in the Middle East, partly because of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The disruption has stopped shipping in the area, leaving hundreds of oil tankers stranded for months. Damage to oil and gas facilities in the region has also contributed to higher prices.
The increase has affected fuel costs at gas stations. In the Netherlands, gasoline and diesel prices have risen above 2 euros per liter in recent months.
In Spain, gasoline at highway gas stations costs an average of 1.64 euros per liter, while diesel costs 1.62 euros. Prices away from highways are even lower, at about 1.46 euros per liter.
Luxembourg remains among the cheapest countries but is slightly more expensive than Spain. Gasoline averages 1.65 euros per liter and diesel 1.61 euros per liter. Because all gas stations in Luxembourg use the same prices, drivers do not pay more for filling up near highways.
The Netherlands and Switzerland are among the most expensive countries for drivers. Dutch highway gas stations have the highest average gasoline price at 2.43 euros per liter. Switzerland has the highest diesel prices, averaging 2.49 euros per liter.
The differences are not only between countries but also between gas stations within the same country. In Germany, drivers can save as much as 60 cents per liter by leaving the highway to refuel. For a full tank, that can reduce costs by 20 to 30 euros.
Motorists in Austria, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands can also save 10 to 20 euros per tank by avoiding highway gas stations.
“Many motorists know that filling up along the highway is more expensive, but the differences are particularly large this year,” Van Drooge said. “A short detour can already be enough to save dozens of euros.”
