Right now, gas stations across Spain have prices lower than the EU average.
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Fuel prices in Spain have just hit their lowest point of the year.

Right now, gas stations across Spain have prices lower than the EU average, according to the European Union weekly oil bulletin.

Current national averages are sitting at €1.457 per litre for petrol, and €1.358 for diesel. Depending on where you fill up, you might find diesel for under €1 (no, that’s not a typo).

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You should know that when it comes to fuel in Spain, it pays to know your geography. Fuel prices vary across Spain’s regions; at stations of the same brand, you’ll find cheaper fuel in places like Almeria, Cordoba, or Murcia, while prices are higher in Malaga or Barcelona.

OK, and now for the million-dollar question: we all want cheap fuel, but we don’t want to wreck our cars. So, is it safe to fill up at low-cost gas stations?

Here’s the catch: all gas stations in Spain use fuel from the same sources

Low prices, such as diesel under €1, are available at low-cost, no-name gas stations.

Many of them have no staff, maybe a  Paint-made logo, and a pump you operate yourself. It’s definitely not glamorous, but it is cheap.

So, is low-cost gas safe or just low-effort? The short answer: yes, it’s safe — most of the time. The long answer? Well, let’s see.

In Spain, all petrol stations (from Repsol and Shell to RandomGas) use fuel that meets strict EU quality standards. The fuel itself comes from the same refineries, regardless of whether you’re pumping at a sleek urban station in Madrid or a lonely roadside outpost in rural Galicia. The base product is identical.

So why do some people swear that their car runs smoother on premium fuel?

One ‘magic’ word: additives. Big-name petrol companies like Repsol, Cepsa, and BP add special formulas to their fuel. These additives are designed to clean your engine, improve combustion, reduce corrosion, and allegedly make your car go further on less. Basically, it’s like adding vitamins to your orange juice.

Meanwhile, low-cost gas stations also add additives, but the urban legend says they are not as premium as at big petrol companies.

So, does it make a big difference? Not necessarily. In fact, you’re not going to destroy your engine with low-cost fuel. Unless, of course, you’re extremely unlucky.

The recent Valencia case

Just last month, more than 30 furious drivers in Alaquas, Valencia, were left stranded after topping up at a local low-cost station. Their cars broke down within hours and mechanics diagnosed the issue fast: water in the fuel tanks.

Whether it was a storage issue or just negligence, drivers are now demanding compensation, and the case is under investigation.

So yes, while all fuel should meet the same minimum standard, mistakes can happen, especially at stations with tight budgets and low maintenance routines.

Low-cost is actually low-cost

As a rule, it’s safe to fuel up at low-cost stations in Spain. Because, as we said, basically all the fuel comes from the same place.

And there’s a reason these not so glamorous petrol stations can afford to sell at knock-down prices. Most of them operate with small staff — or no staff at all during certain hours. You often pump your own fuel, you pay at a machine, and off you go.

Their profit margins are also thinner, and they don’t spend millions on advertising campaigns. It’s fuel stripped back to its basics, and for most drivers, that’s good enough.

So, low-cost gas stations are generally safe?

If you’re trying to save money (and who isn’t these days?) then absolutely, yes. Especially if you’re just driving to work, to the beach, or around the country.

However, if you own a high-performance car and want to spoil your engine a bit, occasionally opt for branded fuel. Your car might not notice, but you might be calmer.