Supermarket vs brand fuel: is it really cheaper?
Published - 4 min read
Whether supermarket petrol and diesel is really cheaper than Shell, BP or Esso, whether the quality differs, and how to find the cheapest fuel near you.
Is supermarket fuel cheaper?
Supermarket forecourts - Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Costco - have a long-standing reputation for cheaper fuel, and on average they are often cheaper than other forecourts. But an average hides a lot of variation. A local independent or branded station can undercut a nearby supermarket, and supermarket prices themselves vary from town to town.
Our UK Fuel Price Index shows the live gap between supermarket forecourts and everyone else, and the weekly fuel price report tracks it week by week. The fuel prices by brand page compares each brand's national average.
One thing to note: Costco fuel is only available to Costco members, so the membership fee is part of the cost.
Is supermarket fuel lower quality?
No. All petrol and diesel sold at UK forecourts has to meet the same standards - BS EN 228 for petrol and BS EN 590 for diesel - whoever sells it. Fuel from different retailers often comes from the same refineries and import terminals; the main difference is the additive package each brand blends in.
Standard unleaded from a supermarket and standard unleaded from a branded forecourt are made to the same specification, and you can switch between them freely.
What about premium fuels?
Most brands, including some supermarkets, also sell premium petrol and diesel. These contain extra detergent and performance additives and, for petrol, usually a higher octane rating. Retailers make various claims about cleaning and performance; whether you notice any difference depends on your car. If your handbook says standard fuel is fine, premium fuel is optional, not required.
Where fuel tends to cost more
Motorway service stations tend to charge noticeably more than stations just off the motorway. Rural stations with little nearby competition can also be dearer. If you're on a long journey, it's often worth filling up before you set off or leaving the motorway briefly to refuel.
Price isn't the only factor
- Detours. Driving miles out of your way to save a penny or two a litre can cost more in fuel than it saves. Our money-saving guide shows how to work it out.
- Loyalty points. Points and vouchers can tip the balance, but they are usually worth less than a genuinely lower pump price. See fuel loyalty schemes explained.
- Opening hours and facilities. Not every station is open around the clock, so check before you travel.
Find the cheapest near you
The quickest way to settle it for your area is to compare real prices: use the live map or pick your city from fuel prices by city.