Cheap fuel in Europe: compare petrol prices across borders
Fuel prices in Europe vary enormously from country to country. In the Netherlands, you might pay over €2.55 per litre for petrol, while just across the border in Luxembourg it could be €1.72. That is a difference of more than €40 per tank. FuelForLess compares fuel prices across borders and calculates whether the trip to a cheaper station actually saves you money — travel costs included.
Fuel prices across Western Europe
The table below shows average fuel prices in the Benelux region and neighbouring countries. Actual prices vary by station and are updated multiple times daily in the FuelForLess app.
| Country | Petrol (E10) | Diesel |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | €2.551 | €2.696 |
| Belgium | €1.945 | €2.489 |
| Germany | €2.109 | €2.259 |
| France | €1.919 | €2.149 |
| Luxembourg | €1.721 | €2.007 |
Indicative prices for illustration. Download FuelForLess for real-time prices based on your location.
Why do fuel prices differ so much in Europe?
The price you pay at the pump is made up of three components: the cost of crude oil, refining and distribution margins, and taxes. While oil prices are similar everywhere, taxes vary enormously between EU countries.
The Netherlands levies the highest fuel excise duty in Europe, making it the most expensive place to fill up in Western Europe. Luxembourg deliberately keeps taxes low to attract cross-border fuel tourism, generating billions in tax revenue from neighbouring countries' drivers.
Cross-border fueling: does it really save money?
Millions of drivers in Europe's border regions regularly cross into neighbouring countries for cheaper fuel. But driving 30 km for cheaper petrol also costs fuel and time. The key question is not just the pump price, but the effective price per litre after accounting for travel costs.
Within 10 km of the border
Cross-border fueling almost always pays off. With a 50-litre tank and a 20 ct/L price difference, you save €8-12 net per fill-up.
10-25 km from the border
Usually worthwhile for petrol, less clear for diesel. Combine with grocery shopping across the border to maximise savings.
More than 25 km away
Only worthwhile with a large price difference and a big tank. FuelForLess calculates exactly whether the trip makes financial sense.
How FuelForLess helps you find cheap fuel
Real-time prices
Live fuel prices from over 50,000 stations in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France. Updated multiple times daily.
Effective price calculation
Not just the pump price, but the total cost per litre including travel costs and fuel consumption for the round trip.
Smart route planner
Enter your destination and FuelForLess plans the cheapest fuel stops along your route. Perfect for holiday trips.
4 countries compared
Compare fuel prices across the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France in one app. Ideal for border regions.
Tips for finding cheap fuel in Europe
- Compare the effective price, not just the pump price. A cheaper station far away may not save money after travel costs. FuelForLess calculates this automatically.
- Avoid motorway stations. They charge 15-30 ct/L more than regular stations. Take the next exit and fill up in town.
- Consider supermarket stations. In France, supermarket fuel stations (E.Leclerc, Carrefour) offer the lowest prices. In Belgium, Colruyt does the same.
- Time your fill-up. In Germany, fuel prices are lowest in the evening (18:00-22:00). In other countries, timing matters less.
- Fill up before crossing into expensive countries. If driving through the Netherlands, fill your tank in Germany or Belgium first.
- Combine fuel stops with shopping. Many products are cheaper across borders. Maximise your savings by shopping while you fill up.
More about fuel prices
- Fuel prices overview — Current fuel prices across Europe
Frequently asked questions about fuel prices in Europe
Where is fuel cheapest in Europe?
Luxembourg consistently has the cheapest fuel in Western Europe, with petrol prices 30-50 cents per litre lower than neighbouring countries. This is followed by Belgium and Germany. The Netherlands has the highest fuel prices in the region. FuelForLess compares prices across 4 countries and calculates the effective price including travel costs.
Is it worth driving across the border for cheaper fuel?
It depends on how far you live from the border and the price difference. If you're within 15 km of a border, cross-border fueling almost always saves money. FuelForLess calculates the effective price per litre including your travel costs, so you know exactly whether the trip is worthwhile.
What is the effective price per litre?
The effective price is the real cost per litre when you factor in travel costs to reach the station: fuel consumed during the trip, vehicle wear, and your time. A station 25 km away may show a lower pump price, but the detour also costs money. FuelForLess calculates this automatically.
Why are fuel prices so different between European countries?
The main reason is taxes. Fuel excise duties and VAT rates vary enormously between EU countries. The Netherlands charges the highest fuel tax in Europe, while Luxembourg deliberately keeps taxes low to attract cross-border fuel tourism. The base oil price is roughly the same everywhere.
How does FuelForLess help save on fuel?
FuelForLess compares real-time fuel prices at over 50,000 stations across the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France. Unlike other apps, it calculates the effective price per litre including travel costs. You see immediately whether driving to a cheaper station actually saves money, or whether filling up nearby is the smarter choice.
What fuel types does FuelForLess compare?
FuelForLess compares prices for Euro 95 (E10), Euro 98 (E5), diesel, and LPG across all supported countries. The app adjusts for different fuel naming conventions between countries so you always compare the right fuel type.
Find the cheapest fuel near you
FuelForLess compares fuel prices across 4 countries and calculates the effective price including travel costs. 100% free.