European petrol prices vary by over €1 per litre: Where the UK stands
A study reveals significant differences in petrol prices across Europe, with Sweden offering the cheapest fuel at €1.31 per litre and Denmark the most expensive at €2.32. The UK ranks 20th with prices around €1.87 per litre.
Motorcyclists planning a European tour may want to consider petrol prices, as a new study highlights a stark contrast in fuel costs across the continent. The research, conducted by Czechvignette.cz, found a difference of €1.01 per litre between the cheapest and most expensive countries, which could significantly impact the cost of long-distance rides.
## Cheapest petrol prices in Europe
For riders looking to save on fuel, Sweden offers the lowest prices at €1.31 per litre, followed closely by Malta (€1.34) and North Macedonia (€1.41). Other budget-friendly options include Andorra (€1.49), Moldova (€1.50), and Bosnia and Herzegovina (€1.50). Iceland, despite its remote location, also ranks among the cheaper countries at €1.52 per litre.
| Country | Price per litre (€) | |--------------------|---------------------| | Sweden | 1.31 | | Malta | 1.34 | | North Macedonia | 1.41 | | Andorra | 1.49 | | Moldova | 1.50 | | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 1.50 | | Iceland | 1.52 | | Bulgaria | 1.53 | | Hungary | 1.58 | | Cyprus | 1.59 | | San Marino | 1.62 | | Slovenia | 1.62 | | Luxembourg | 1.62 |
## Most expensive petrol prices in Europe
At the other end of the spectrum, Denmark tops the list with the highest petrol prices at €2.32 per litre. The Netherlands (€2.29), Finland (€2.17), and Germany (€2.14) follow closely behind. Switzerland (€2.06), Albania (€2.02), and Liechtenstein (€2.02) also feature among the most expensive countries.
| Country | Price per litre (€) | |--------------------|---------------------| | Denmark | 2.32 | | Netherlands | 2.29 | | Finland | 2.17 | | Germany | 2.14 | | Switzerland | 2.06 | | Albania | 2.02 | | Liechtenstein | 2.02 | | France | 2.01 | | Italy | 1.99 | | Monaco | 1.98 | | Greece | 1.98 | | Norway | 1.93 |
## Where the UK stands
The UK is not included in the main rankings but is listed in the underlying data with an average petrol price of €1.87 per litre. This would place Britain 20th in the full list, between Ireland and Portugal. Current UK pump prices are around 161.1p to 162.1p per litre, aligning with the study's findings.
For motorcyclists, the difference in fuel costs can be substantial. Filling a 20-litre tank in Denmark instead of Sweden would cost around €20 more. Riders covering long distances across Europe could save significantly by choosing cheaper refuelling spots or adjusting their routes to avoid high-cost countries.
The study also highlights some cost-effective options for those heading east or south. Countries like Bulgaria, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, Czechia, and Slovakia offer lower petrol prices, while France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands are notably more expensive.
For British bikers planning a European adventure, the message is clear: while the UK isn't the cheapest place to buy petrol, it's far from the most expensive either. Strategic planning could lead to noticeable savings on fuel costs during a tour.
