Travelers Beware: Overlooking a Miniscule Difference in Vacation Costs Could Prove Costly
In recent years, the difference between fuel prices at highway gas stations and those nearby has significantly increased, with highway stations charging a premium due to various factors.
According to a study by the ADAC, the price difference for Super E10 fuel in 2024 was around 39 cents compared to 2023's almost 42 cents. For diesel, the difference was 38 cents in 2024 and almost 36 cents in 2023.
The higher prices at highway stations are mainly due to higher operating costs and market dynamics associated with their location. Limited competition on highways, higher rent and operating costs, and customer willingness to pay more for convenience and urgency are the primary factors contributing to the price difference.
Experts advise drivers to avoid highway gas stations and use price comparison apps to find cheaper fuel at stations outside the highway network. Fuel prices in Germany vary by location, with prices generally lower outside the highway and especially outside Germany, such as in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Luxembourg.
The ADAC has criticised the high fuel prices at highway gas stations, stating that price differences of this magnitude are not acceptable. In fact, the organisation's price analysis found that 90% of highway stations charge an average surcharge of 30 cents or more per liter for Super E10, and 88% do the same for diesel.
However, not all highway gas stations are equally expensive. The Autobahn gas station Fuchsberg Nord on the A20 Ostsee motorway in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, for instance, has a fair price difference of 5.9 cents per liter of Super E10 compared to a nearby gas station in Neukloster.
For drivers, the savings from taking a small detour off the highway can be significant. With a 50-liter tank, the price difference at the Limburg Ost gas station is 27 euros. For the same amount of diesel, the average savings at a gas station next to the highway compared to highway gas stations is over 21 euros.
The peak prices for Super E10 at highway gas stations are also higher than in previous years. The ADAC advises drivers to avoid gas stations on highways and to tank up instead.
In conclusion, the combination of limited competition, higher operating costs, and customer willingness to pay more on highways explains why highway fuel tends to be significantly more expensive than fuel at gas stations off the highway in Germany. Drivers can save money by using apps for comparing fuel prices and taking a small detour off the highway, especially when it comes to vacation budgets.
The increased lifestyle of constant travel can lead to higher fuel costs, with highway gas stations charging a premium due to their location and market dynamics, as described in a study by the ADAC. To mitigate these expenses, experts suggest using price comparison apps and taking detours to find cheaper fuel at stations outside the highway network, as these locations often have lower fuel prices.
