Bonarea is identified as the cheapest low-cost petrol station in Spain, according to the latest fuel report from the National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC). This report, notable for finally publishing independent stations by brand, shows that the most expensive prices among independents are found at Costco, Carrefour, and Valcarce.
Continuing the trend seen in previous months, May saw these independent outlets offering the lowest prices, with gaps between brands sometimes reaching half a euro per liter. Specifically, Bonarea averaged 1.475 euros per liter for gasoline and 1.328 euros per liter for diesel. In Costco, the averages rose to 1.887 euros per liter for gasoline and 1.680 euros per liter for diesel. This data underscores the ongoing price competition shaping Spain’s independent fuel market, as reported by CNMC [CNMC report, 2024].
The mid-table brands Ballenoil, Plenoil, and Petroprix sit in the middle of the spectrum, with gasoline averages of 1.569 euros per liter for Ballenoil, 1.524 euros per liter for Plenoil, and 1.537 euros per liter for Petroprix. For diesel, Ballenoil averaged 1.398 euros per liter, Plenoil 1.370 euros per liter, and Petroprix 1.384 euros per liter. The CNMC notes that these logos or networks reflect a balanced pricing approach within the independent segment [CNMC report, 2024].
The CNMC also explains why these low-cost models price so aggressively. The regulator highlights that price setting largely depends on who controls the prices: the operator or the retailer. Stations owned by the oil company (COCO) have price-setting power centralized in the operator, while stations owned by individuals (DODO) allow the retailer to determine prices. A mixed ownership model, called CODO, involves petrol stations owned by the oil company but run by a private operator, with two main price arrangements: a fixed wholesale contract where the retailer bears price risk, and a commission contract where the risk falls to the operator who sets the price and earns a per-liter commission. These dynamics directly impact how competitive a given station can be [CNMC report, 2024].
Independent or “low-cost” stations typically operate without exclusive supply contracts with a single operator, enabling them to purchase product from various producers and set prices based on their own cost structure. These outlets often operate with reduced staffing or even no personnel on site, which helps minimize operating costs. The CNMC observes that in recent years there has been a clear shift away from stations where the operator fixes prices, toward more stations where the retailer sets pricing [CNMC report, 2024], a shift accelerated by a 2013 regulation that eased entry into commercial spaces and attracted new investors to this business model [CNMC report, 2024].
In Asturias, the report highlights the highest average prices on the peninsula and the Balearic Islands, driven by a comparatively sparse presence of independent stations. In that region, low-cost brands represent about 33 percent of the market, versus 46 percent across the peninsula, while prominent independent operators like Ballenoil, Plenoil, and Petroprix have a limited network there, accounting for roughly 4 percent of stations. Local sales per station also trail the peninsula-wide average, contributing to elevated average prices in Asturias [CNMC report, 2024].
Why independence matters now
The CNMC report emphasizes the growing importance of independent stations not just as price disruptors but as competitive catalysts within the broader fuel market. As independent networks expand their reach and improve efficiency, traditional oil majors respond with targeted discounts through loyalty cards and apps to attract higher-spending customers who value convenience and value. This strategic competition affects consumer choice, price transparency, and the overall dynamics of fuel retail across Spain. The report frames these developments as a response to intensified competition and shifting consumer expectations, rather than mere market volatility [CNMC report, 2024].
The broader takeaway is clear: price leadership in fuel retail is increasingly decentralized. Consumers benefit from more transparent comparisons across brands and more aggressive pricing in the independent segment, with cascading effects on the strategies of conventional petrol networks. The CNMC’s analysis provides a benchmark for understanding the shifting balance of power in price formation, store format, and consumer reach across Spain, offering insights that can inform similar markets in North America and beyond [CNMC report, 2024].
Asturias stands out as a case study in how geography and market structure influence pricing. With fewer independents and limited affordable networks, the price level climbs compared with more densely covered regions. This regional variation reinforces the importance of market concentration, store format, and competitive pressure in determining local fuel prices. The regulatory body underscores how such dynamics shape the affordability landscape for drivers across the peninsula [CNMC report, 2024].