summer vacations - It is usually cheaper to fill up abroad
Baden-Württemberg residents, who travel by car abroad during the summer holidays, can only partially save on fuel costs beyond the border. In contrast, gasoline is relatively more expensive in the neighboring countries of France and Switzerland, as data from the EU Commission and the Touring Club Switzerland show. It is therefore advisable to fill up before crossing the border, especially for diesel vehicle drivers.
France, Italy, and Switzerland are more expensive
In France, Super gasoline is on average about 3 cents more expensive than in Germany, while diesel is approximately 8 cents more. For Switzerland, there are no EU data, but a comparison with data from the Touring Club Switzerland shows that gasoline was slightly more expensive there most recently, while diesel was significantly more expensive than in Germany. Italy also has higher priced fuel from a German perspective: Super is 5 cents per liter more expensive, while diesel is about 10 cents more.
The Netherlands are even more expensive. One pays 18 cents more per liter for gasoline and 9 cents more for diesel. However, Belgium presents a mixed picture: gasoline is 13 cents cheaper than in Germany, while diesel is 11 cents more expensive. Those who head towards Luxembourg or pass through it should take advantage of the opportunity to fill up: gasoline is 24 cents per liter cheaper, and diesel is 14 cents cheaper.
The fuel savings are more substantial when heading east and southeast. Already in Austria, one can save 20 cents per liter on gasoline. Considering a full tank, this almost covers the cost of the "vignette" for the autobahn. The savings with diesel are more modest at 2 cents.
Czech Republic and Slovenia are the cheapest
Further east and southeast, the fuel savings become even more significant. Among the leaders are the Czech Republic, with savings of 30 cents per liter on gasoline and 18 cents on diesel, and Slovenia, with savings of 33 cents per liter on gasoline and 12 cents on diesel.
The price differences - with the exception of Switzerland - are based primarily on tax and duty differences. Prices also vary significantly from gas station to gas station, depending on the region and time of day. In some countries, prices on the autobahn are significantly higher than on rural roads.
Those who still fill up in Germany should do so before departing on their trip, according to ADAC. This not only saves stress, but gasoline in Germany is usually cheaper in the evening than in the morning.
- If you're planning an automatic journey through Europe during your summer vacation, be aware that fuel prices can vary significantly from country to country.
- Residents of Baden-Württemberg can only partially save on fuel costs beyond the border, especially when traveling to France and Switzerland.
- According to data from the EU Commission and the Touring Club Switzerland, gasoline is relatively more expensive in France and Switzerland, making it advisable to fill up before crossing the border, especially for diesel vehicle drivers.
- For instance, Super gasoline in France is about 3 cents more expensive than in Germany, while diesel is approximately 8 cents more.
- In contrast, those heading towards Luxembourg or passing through it can benefit from substantial fuel savings, with gasoline being 24 cents per liter cheaper and diesel 14 cents cheaper.
- In the Automobile industry, tax and duty differences primarily influence the price differences in fuel, although prices can also vary significantly from gas station to gas station.
- The European Commission encourages consumers to consider these price differences when planning their journey within the EU, such as filling up in Germany before departing on their trip, as gasoline is usually cheaper in the evening than in the morning.
- As Germany (historically, France) and other European countries have different tax policies and fuel prices, it's essential for travelers to stay informed and plan accordingly to make the most of their European vacation.
