Supermarket fuel stations are consistently among the cheapest places to fill up in the UK. Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Morrisons use fuel as a loss leader — they price it low to attract shoppers into their stores, often undercutting branded forecourts by 3–7p per litre.
But which supermarket is actually cheapest? And is there a catch? This guide compares the big four and explains what you need to know.
Supermarket fuel price ranking
Based on UK-wide price data, the typical ranking from cheapest to most expensive is:
This ranking shifts by region and week. Check current brand price rankings →
Asda
Asda has a national pricing policy, meaning all Asda stations charge the same price regardless of location. This makes them particularly competitive in areas where other retailers charge a premium.
They typically lead on price cuts, often the first supermarket to drop prices when wholesale costs fall. Asda operates around 320 fuel stations across the UK.
Tesco
Tesco has the most fuel stations of any UK supermarket (around 500). Prices vary by location — Tesco uses local competitor pricing, so a Tesco in a competitive urban area may be very cheap, while one in a rural area can be pricier.
Tesco Clubcard holders can earn points on fuel purchases, which partially offsets the slightly higher base price compared to Asda.
Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's operates around 315 fuel stations and prices competitively with Asda and Morrisons. They offer Nectar points on fuel purchases — 1 point per litre, which can add up if you're a regular Nectar collector.
Sainsbury's occasionally runs fuel voucher promotions (e.g. "save 10p per litre when you spend £60 in store"), which can make them the cheapest option during those periods.
Morrisons
Morrisons operates around 340 fuel stations and is often the closest rival to Asda on price. They regularly match or undercut Asda in their local areas, particularly on diesel.
Morrisons More card holders earn points on fuel that can be redeemed for in-store discounts.
Is supermarket fuel the same quality?
Yes. All fuel sold in the UK must meet the same British and European standards (BS EN 228 for petrol, BS EN 590 for diesel). Supermarket fuel comes from the same refineries as branded fuel — Fawley, Stanlow, Grangemouth, and Lindsey.
The only genuine difference is that some branded fuels (Shell V-Power, BP Ultimate) contain proprietary cleaning additives. These can help maintain engine cleanliness over time, but for most drivers, standard fuel is perfectly adequate.
The myth that supermarket fuel damages engines or reduces performance has no basis. The fuel meets the same legal specifications.
Supermarket vs branded: the price gap
On average, supermarket fuel is 3–7p per litre cheaper than branded forecourts (Shell, BP, Esso, Texaco). Here's what that means in real money:
However, don't drive miles out of your way to reach a supermarket. An independent station closer to home might offer better overall value. How to find cheap petrol near you →
What about Costco?
Costco is often the absolute cheapest option, typically 5–10p below even supermarket prices. The catch: you need a Costco membership (£36.72/year for Trade, £73.20 for Individual) and there are only 29 Costco warehouses in the UK.
If you live near a Costco and already shop there, the fuel savings alone can pay for the membership. A driver filling up weekly could save £250–500 per year compared to branded forecourts.
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