With thousands of Brits expected to drive across Europe to popular holiday hotspots this half-term, it's worth knowing where filling up could leave a serious dent in your wallet.
Fuel Price Surge
Fuel prices have surged since conflict broke out in the Middle East in February, with the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz - which normally handles around 20 per cent of global oil shipments - triggering a worldwide fuel shortage. Petrol prices in the UK have climbed significantly in recent months, with average unleaded costs rising by around 20p to 25p per litre, reaching a five-month high of approximately 158.3p a litre in mid-April. But the increases are far from limited to the UK.
Between late February and late April 2026, average petrol prices across the EU rose by roughly 12 to 15 per cent, while diesel prices saw even steeper increases, in some cases climbing by as much as 30 per cent, according to Euro News. Now, with thousands preparing to drive to France, the Netherlands, and beyond this half-term, a new study is helping motorists understand how much they can expect to pay at the pumps.
Research from RAC Fuel Watch shows the current average price of a litre of unleaded petrol and diesel across every EU member state, as well as the UK, which ranked ninth most expensive with unleaded at 157p per litre and diesel at 189p per litre. Read on to discover six of the most expensive countries for fuel ahead of your next European road trip - and where you can save money by filling up along the way.
1. The Netherlands
The most expensive EU country for fuel is the Netherlands, with unleaded petrol averaging 209p per litre and diesel priced at 204p per litre. For UK motorists driving to the Netherlands - a journey of around 350 to 450 miles depending on the starting point and destination - the route typically passes through France and Belgium after crossing the Channel. Both countries offer noticeably cheaper fuel prices, making them better places to fill up before reaching Dutch roads. In the UK, unleaded averages 157p per litre and diesel 189p per litre, while Belgium offers unleaded at 161p per litre and diesel at 182p per litre. France, which ranks sixth most expensive overall, still comes in cheaper than the Netherlands, with unleaded at 177p per litre and diesel at 186p per litre.
2. Denmark
Ranking second is Denmark, where unleaded petrol averages 204p per litre and diesel 202p per litre. The drive from the UK to Denmark usually covers between 700 and 900 miles, following a similar route through France, Belgium and Germany before crossing into Scandinavia. Motorists making the journey are likely to save money by filling up before entering Denmark, particularly in the UK, Belgium or Germany. Germany, which places fifth on the list, offers comparatively lower prices, with unleaded averaging 178p per litre and diesel around 180p per litre. While still expensive by wider European standards, it remains notably cheaper than Denmark for both fuels.
3. Finland
Finland has the third-highest fuel prices in Europe, with unleaded petrol averaging 186p per litre, and diesel climbing to 204p per litre. For drivers travelling from the UK to Finland - a road trip that can stretch beyond 1,500 miles depending on the route taken - journeys often pass through France, Belgium and Germany before heading north through Scandinavia or the Baltics. Filling up in the UK or France before reaching northern Europe is likely to be the more cost-effective option. For those continuing through the Baltics, Latvia and Lithuania currently offer some of the cheapest fuel prices in Europe. In Latvia, motorists can buy unleaded for 154p per litre and diesel for 166p per litre, while Lithuania matches Latvia's unleaded price at 154p per litre, with diesel averaging 173p per litre.
4. Greece
Greece ranks as the fourth most expensive country in Europe for fuel, with unleaded petrol priced at 180p per litre and diesel at 162p per litre. The drive from the UK to Greece is one of the longest and most demanding European road trips, covering roughly 2,180 miles depending on the chosen route. Drivers are likely to pass through several countries, including France, Switzerland, Slovenia, Croatia and Albania, before reaching mainland Greece, meaning there are several opportunities to save money on fuel along the way. For unleaded petrol, cheaper prices can be found in the UK, Luxembourg, Austria and Italy. Luxembourg currently offers unleaded at 155p per litre and diesel at 165p per litre, while Austria averages 155p per litre for unleaded and 173p per litre for diesel. In Italy, unleaded costs around 154p per litre and diesel 177p per litre. However, when it comes to diesel, Greece itself is actually among the cheaper options on the route, making it one of the better places to fill up before continuing onwards.
5. Germany
Germany takes fifth place on the list, with unleaded petrol averaging 178p per litre and diesel priced at 180p per litre. For UK drivers, the journey to Germany is relatively straightforward, typically covering around 600 to 870 miles depending on the final destination. Most routes pass through France and Belgium after crossing the Channel, both of which offer cheaper unleaded prices than Germany. Motorists travelling on petrol are therefore likely to save money by filling up before crossing into Germany. Diesel drivers, however, may find Germany a better option compared with neighbouring France and Belgium, where diesel prices are currently higher.
6. France
France falls into sixth place with slightly lower unleaded prices of 177p per litre - though diesel is significantly higher than Germany and Greece at 186p per litre. As the main gateway into mainland Europe for UK drivers, France is often the first major stop for motorists crossing the Channel. Journeys through the country can vary significantly in distance, from short drives to northern France to trips stretching hundreds of miles towards Spain, Italy or beyond. For unleaded petrol, UK motorists are likely to save money by filling up before leaving Britain, where prices currently average 157p per litre. Diesel, however, is marginally cheaper in France than in the UK, where average prices sit at around 189p per litre, making it the better option for diesel drivers once across the Channel.
