169.4p is the average price for unleaded in the UK right now. But if you’ve ever filled up at a motorway service station, you’ll know it’s often a lot higher than what you see at a supermarket. The difference isn’t small. It’s enough to make your wallet hurt, and it’s not going away anytime soon.
Filling up at a motorway station when you’re on the road isn’t just about paying more. It’s about the timing. You’re already late, tired, and far from home. That’s when service stations know they can charge more. They don’t need to compete with other brands. They don’t need to offer discounts. They know you’ll take whatever they give you.
The price gap: how much are you paying extra?
Motorway fuel can be significantly more expensive per litre than supermarket prices. That’s not a guess. It’s a consistent pattern. Take a look at the latest data. If you’re driving a car that gets 40mpg, filling up at a motorway station instead of a supermarket could cost you more every time you fill up. Over a year, that adds up.
It’s not just about the numbers. It’s about where you are. Motorway service stations are often the only option when you’re on the road. That’s their power. They know you’re stuck. They know you’ll pay more.
In 2023, for example, a driver on the M25 who filled up at a Tesco Express station near London paid more per litre than the same driver who filled up at a Sainsbury’s in Bromley. That difference, multiplied by fill-ups a year, costs a significant amount. No one told them about the option. No one gave them a warning.
Why motorway fuel costs more: the basics
Motorway service stations charge more because they can. They’re not competing with other brands. They’re not next to a rival station. They’re the only game in town for drivers on the move. That’s their advantage.
Site rents are another factor. Land on a motorway isn’t cheap. The costs are passed on to you. Supermarkets don’t have that problem. They’re on high streets, in towns, where space is cheaper. They don’t need to charge as much.
There’s also the volume. Supermarkets sell huge amounts of fuel. That’s how they keep prices low. Motorway stations sell less. They can’t benefit from the same economies of scale.
But it’s not just about size. Motorway stations also have higher operating costs. Staffing, lighting, and security are all more expensive in remote locations. In 2023, the CMA found that weakened competition and higher retailer margins contribute to the price gap. Drivers can save up to £9 per tank by shopping around. These costs vary and are worth checking against current prices.
Why supermarkets are usually the cheapest
Supermarkets are in the business of getting you into their stores. Fuel is a way to do that. You stop for petrol, then you shop. That’s their strategy. They’re not in the business of making huge profits on fuel. They’re in the business of getting you to spend more elsewhere.
They also have the volume. Big supermarkets can buy fuel in bulk. That means lower costs. They pass those savings on to you. Motorway stations don’t have that. They’re smaller operations. They can’t buy as much.
Supermarkets also have thin margins on fuel. They’re not selling it for profit. They’re selling it to keep you coming back. That’s why their prices are usually the lowest.
Take Asda. Their fuel margins are low. That’s not a number you see in the motorway station reports. They’re not trying to profit from fuel. They’re trying to get you to buy groceries.
How to avoid paying motorway prices
The simplest way is to fill up before you hit the motorway. That’s the first rule. If you’re planning a trip, check the cheapest fuel near you. Use the near-me tool. Find a supermarket just off your route. Fill up there. By shopping around, drivers can save up to £9 per tank.
Don’t wait until you’re stuck on the motorway. That’s when prices are highest. You’ll be tempted to stop, but you’ll end up paying more.
If you’re already on the motorway, look for service stations that have a supermarket attached. They’re usually cheaper than standalone stations. Check the prices by brand. Some brands are more competitive than others.
But here’s a trick: avoid filling up on certain motorways. Prices vary by route. Look for the cheapest options in your area.
Common questions
What’s the biggest reason motorway fuel is more expensive?
It’s the lack of competition. Motorway stations are often the only option for drivers on the move. They know you’ll pay more.
Can I always find cheaper fuel at a supermarket?
Usually, yes. Supermarkets use fuel to attract customers. They sell it at lower prices to keep you coming back.
How do I find the cheapest fuel near me?
Use the cheapest fuel near you tool. It shows you all the options in your area. Look for supermarkets or stations with a supermarket attached.
Are all supermarkets the same when it comes to fuel prices?
No. Some are more competitive than others. Check prices by brand. Tesco, for example, is often one of the cheapest.
Is there any other way to save on fuel costs?
Yes. Plan your route. Fill up before you hit the motorway. Use the near-me tool to find the cheapest options. Don’t wait until you’re stuck.