Gas stations in Europe are feeling the heat of mid-summer pricing, with low-cost networks pushing back against big oil and using the seasonal shock to their advantage. These discount networks are offering special fuel deals to help drivers save money even as the market grapples with higher prices seen in recent weeks.
During the peak travel period, a clear gap has emerged between independent fuel stations and the major oil players. Millions of drivers are expected to hit the roads, and the price divergence, especially for diesel, is drawing attention as summer journeys unfold.
According to the National Association of Auto Service Stations (Aesae), the national average price difference between traditional stations and independent ones in diesel rose to a record 18 euro cents per liter. For gasoline, the gap is a bit smaller, averaging about 14 cents per liter. These numbers reflect the long-standing competition between different business models in the Spanish market and hint at consumer choices driven by price sensitivity and regional availability. Attribution: National Association of Auto Service Stations (Aesae)
diesel vs. petrol
Low-cost networks, including players such as Ballenoil, Petroprix, and BonÁrea, argue that major oil companies are taking advantage of concerns about diesel supply tied to import restrictions connected with geopolitical tensions. Public statements from Ukraine and OPEC have signaled moves that could influence diesel pricing, shaping market expectations.
Manuel Jiménez Perona, president of Aesae, notes that the perceived scarcity of diesel may be higher than reality, and that traditional stations can widen their margins while discount stations operate with tighter pricing. He emphasizes that consumer behavior differs by fuel type: gasoline buyers tend to be less price-sensitive, while diesel buyers often react more strongly to price swings. This dynamic helps diesel remain the top-selling fuel at discount networks, reinforcing the competitive landscape between independent chains and big oil brands. Attribution: Manuel Jiménez Perona, president of Aesae
In recent months, large oil companies have rolled out new strategies during holidays when vehicle traffic spikes. During Holy Week, a period of heavy private travel, several firms trimmed or paused discounts that had been in place earlier in the year. Companies such as Repsol, Cepsa, BP, and Shell reduced general fuel discounts during full holiday periods in April, signaling a shift in promotional activity as demand patterns changed. Attribution: industry observations
difference between regions
Data from the Geoportal of the Ministry of Ecological Transition shows regional variation in price differentials. In diesel pricing, Cantabria tops the chart with the highest differential, followed by Navarra and the Community of Valencia, with multiple regions showing notable gaps. In contrast, the Balearic Islands report the smallest diesel differential, with other regions like Aragon and the Basque Country showing moderate spreads. Attribution: Hydrocarbons Geoportal, Ministry of Ecological Transition
For gasoline, Cantabria again records the largest regional difference, with Catalonia and the Community of Valencia close behind. In southern and central regions, the gap narrows, with Extremadura often showing the smallest differentials. The pattern highlights how geography, supply networks, and local competition shape price behavior across Spain. Attribution: Geoportal data
Cheaper than a year ago
Prices for fuels in Spain have been moving in five-week cycles, but the early-summer refueling experience still presents a savings opportunity for many drivers compared with a year ago. The EU Petroleum Bulletin reports the average diesel price around this period at about 1.441 euros per liter, a modest weekly rise. Gasoline sits near 1.598 euros per liter, reflecting small weekly gains. Attribution: EU Petroleum Bulletin
Using typical tank sizes as a reference, a 55-liter diesel fill could cost roughly 79.25 euros during the current peak period, with total costs around 104.5 euros including other standard charges, about 25 euros more than last year. For gasoline, a 55-liter fill runs around 87.89 euros, roughly 18 euros less than the early-summer tally from 2022. These figures illustrate how regional competition and seasonal dynamics influence the relative affordability of diesel versus gasoline for everyday drivers. Attribution: EU Petroleum Bulletin