Why is fuel more expensive at motorway services?
Published - 3 min read
Why motorway service stations usually charge more for petrol and diesel, and how to avoid paying the motorway premium on long journeys.
Why it costs more
Motorway services are usually the most expensive places to fill up in the UK. Their running costs are high, they're open around the clock, and drivers who are low on fuel often have little choice but to stop. There is less nearby competition to push prices down.
How much more?
The gap changes from day to day and between sites. You can see current prices at motorway services and nearby towns side by side on the Pennyfill map.
How to avoid it
- Fill up before you join the motorway, especially at a supermarket.
- Plan a fuel stop just off a junction, where prices are often closer to normal.
- On a long trip, check the cheapest stations along your route before you go.
- Don't run the tank low: it's when you're desperate that you pay the most.