Which Petrol Stations Are Cheapest in the UK?

Based on average UK fuel prices, stations generally rank from cheapest to most expensive:

1. Asda — Consistently the cheapest or near-cheapest supermarket. National pricing policy aims to be among the lowest in each area.
2. Morrisons — Competitive with Asda and frequently matches their prices.
3. Sainsbury’s — Usually within 1–2p of Asda and Morrisons.
4. Tesco — Slightly above other supermarkets on average, but still well below branded stations.
5. Costco — Often the cheapest anywhere, but requires a £36.50+/year membership and stations are limited to a few locations.
6. Independent forecourts — Varies widely. Some independents are very competitive; others are among the most expensive.
7. Esso — Mid-range among branded stations.
8. BP — Typically 3–5p above supermarkets.
9. Shell — Often the most expensive of the major brands, 5–8p above supermarkets.

These rankings shift over time. See live brand price rankings →

Supermarkets can offer lower fuel prices for several structural reasons:

• Fuel as a loss leader. Supermarkets use cheap fuel to attract customers who then spend money in the main store. They can accept razor-thin margins on fuel because the real profit comes from grocery sales.
• Volume purchasing. Major supermarkets buy fuel in enormous quantities, giving them better wholesale rates than smaller operators.
• Lower site costs. Supermarket forecourts are attached to existing retail sites, sharing infrastructure costs. Standalone branded stations carry all their overheads from fuel sales alone.
• Price competition. Supermarkets actively monitor and undercut each other. This price war benefits drivers.

It’s not just profit margins — branded stations have legitimate reasons for higher prices:

• Location costs. Motorway services, A-road forecourts, and city-centre stations have significantly higher land costs and rents than out-of-town supermarket sites.
• Longer opening hours. Many branded stations operate 24/7, while supermarket forecourts close with the store.
• Additional services. Car washes, workshops, convenience shops, and EV charging all add operational costs.
• Premium fuel additive packages. The R&D and manufacturing of proprietary fuel additives is factored into prices across all grades.

Motorway services are the most extreme example — they can be 15–20p more per litre than nearby off-motorway stations. Always leave the motorway to fill up if you can.

No. All standard petrol and diesel sold in the UK must meet the same British and European standards:

• Petrol: BS EN 228 (95 RON minimum)
• Diesel: BS EN 590

Much of the UK’s fuel comes from the same refineries and distribution terminals, regardless of which brand sells it. Supermarket fuel and branded fuel often come from the same source. The only difference is the additive package mixed in at the terminal — and even the base additive package is regulated to a minimum standard.

Premium fuels (Shell V-Power, BP Ultimate) do contain enhanced additive packages, but the standard grade at any station is effectively the same product.

Read more about supermarket fuel quality →

Even within the same brand, prices differ significantly by area:

• Rural areas tend to be more expensive due to less competition and higher delivery costs.
• Northern Ireland often has lower fuel prices than Great Britain, partly due to cross-border competition with the Republic of Ireland.
• Urban areas with multiple competing stations tend to have lower prices.
• Motorway services are consistently the most expensive places to buy fuel in the UK.

See regional fuel price breakdown →

1. Search your postcode on PumpCheck. We rank nearby stations by a combination of price and distance, so you find the best value — not just the cheapest station that’s 20 miles away. Search now
2. Check stations on your regular routes. The cheapest station is only worthwhile if you don’t have to make a special trip to get there. Look for cheap stations on your commute or near places you visit regularly.
3. Compare brands in your area. The national rankings above are averages — your local Shell might be cheaper than your local Tesco. Always check actual prices rather than assuming. See brand comparisons
4. Fill up at a quarter tank. Don’t wait until the fuel light comes on — that forces you into whatever station is nearest. Fill up at a quarter tank so you have the freedom to choose a cheaper option.

Motorway service stations are the most expensive place to buy fuel in the UK. They typically charge 15–20p more per litre than nearby off-motorway stations. On a 50-litre fill, that’s £7.50–£10.00 extra.

If you’re running low on a motorway journey:

• Leave at the next junction and find a station in the nearest town
• Even a 2-minute detour to a supermarket forecourt near a junction saves pounds
• Plan ahead and fill up before getting on the motorway