As fuel prices rise, the best way to protect your purse is by thinking about a few things before going ahead and topping up your tank.
We’ve looked at how you can make your fuel go further, but how about saving money at the pump itself?
Well, here are some clever ways to keep the costs down when you’re next heading to the petrol station.
Hunt out cheap fuel
Fuel prices can vary significantly between suppliers, even between petrol stations located on the same street. Supermarkets often offer lower prices because they sell fuel in high volumes and can offset costs elsewhere in their business.
To save money, pay attention to the price per litre at petrol stations in your area. Over time, you’ll build a clear understanding of which locations are consistently cheaper. This can help you decide whether it’s worth driving slightly further to fill up at a lower-priced forecourt.
Look for supermarket fuel vouchers & loyalty card schemes
Many major supermarkets offer fuel vouchers when you spend a certain amount in-store. These vouchers typically provide a discount on your next fuel purchase, helping you save money at the pump.
In addition, loyalty card schemes are widely available across supermarkets and fuel retailers. By using these cards, you can earn points on everyday purchases, including fuel. Over time, these points can be redeemed for vouchers, discounts, or other rewards, making them a simple and effective way to cut ongoing costs.
Avoid premium fuel
Many drivers instinctively use the same fuel nozzle every time they fill up. Alongside standard petrol and diesel, some stations also offer premium or high-octane fuel, which can seem like a better long-term value despite the higher price.
However, for most vehicles, this isn’t the case. Unless you drive a high-performance or specialist car that specifically requires premium fuel, you’re unlikely to notice any meaningful improvements in performance or fuel efficiency. Most cars are designed to run efficiently on standard unleaded fuel.
Because premium fuel is significantly more expensive, it generally doesn’t provide enough additional benefit to justify the extra cost for the average driver.
Avoid motorway fuel stations
Fuel at motorway service stations is usually much more expensive than at regular petrol stations. While they’re convenient, you’ll pay extra.
To save money, fill up before you start your journey, especially if you know you’ll be driving on the motorway. This helps you avoid higher prices and reduces the risk of needing to stop.
Do the same on your way back if you can, top up before rejoining the motorway rather than waiting until you’re on it.
Use free EV charging points
If you’re driving an electric or hybrid vehicle, then you might be able to save money by making use of free charging points.
There are an estimated 115,000 public charging points in the UK, of which, as of May 2025 1,837 are free to use. Scotland, the southeast of England and Greater London have the biggest share, with other areas like Northern Ireland, Wales and the northeast of England offering much fewer options.
You’re likely to be at the mercy of your geographical area and route when it comes to whether you can take advantage of free charging or not, as well as the location of the charging points themselves, with many being linked to attractions, hotels and accommodation. Apps like Zap Map are a good place to start here.
Bear these points in mind the next time you need to refuel your car, and hopefully you’ll be able to make some savings.
Key Takeaways
- Fuel prices vary widely, so compare local stations and consider supermarkets for better value.
- Keep track of the price per litre in your area to identify the cheapest places to fill up.
- Use supermarket fuel vouchers and loyalty schemes to earn discounts and rewards over time.
- Stick to standard fuel unless your vehicle specifically requires premium, higher cost doesn’t usually mean better value.
- Avoid filling up at motorway service stations where prices are typically higher, plan ahead instead.
- If you drive an electric or hybrid vehicle, check for free charging points along your route to cut costs further.
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