According to Germany’s automobile club ADAC, the long-standing trend of fuel prices spiking at the start of school holidays has largely faded. In fact, fuel prices have slightly decreased this week. Based on data from 14,000 fuel stations across the country, ADAC reports an average price of €1.667 per liter for Super E10, a drop of 0.4 cents compared to the previous week. Diesel is now averaging €1.542 per liter, 0.6 cents cheaper.
This modest decline comes despite a slight increase in global crude oil prices. A favorable euro-to-dollar exchange rate has helped reduce fuel prices within Germany. So far, the approaching holiday period has had only minimal influence on price levels.
Fueling Up in the Morning May Cost More
Fuel prices vary significantly throughout the day, as oil companies adjust them several times daily using algorithms that respond to real or anticipated demand.
ADAC fuel expert Katharina Lucà confirms what many drivers already suspect: fuel is typically more expensive in the morning than in the evening. The fluctuation can be considerable—Lucà notes that the daily price difference averages around 24 cents per liter. Drivers planning to leave for vacation on Friday afternoon would do well to fill up their tanks Thursday evening to save money.
Highway Fuel Stations Come at a High Cost
Topping up on the motorway can be a costly mistake. ADAC data shows that fuel at highway stations is significantly more expensive—on average, Super petrol costs about 40 cents more per liter, and diesel up to 50 cents more.
A smarter choice is to take a short detour to a fuel station located off the highway. These are often substantially cheaper, a fact increasingly recognized by travelers. According to ADAC, around 80% of holiday drivers now prefer these alternatives to avoid the steep prices at highway service stations.
Cross-Border Refueling: When It Pays Off
For those living near a national border or passing through other countries, refueling abroad can sometimes lead to savings—but not always. Here’s a quick comparison of average fuel prices in popular holiday destinations relative to Germany (rounded figures per ADAC):
- Poland: About 20 cents cheaper
- Croatia: 5 to 10 cents cheaper
- Austria: Slightly cheaper
- France: Roughly the same
- Italy: Slightly more expensive
- Switzerland: Significantly more expensive—around 20 cents more for E10 and 30 cents for diesel
Use Fuel Price Apps to Save in Real TimeTo find the best local fuel prices in Germany, smartphone apps offer a practical solution. Popular choices like Benzinpreis-Blitz, Pace Drive, and clever-tanken connect to the Market Transparency Unit, which requires all gas stations to report their current prices in real time. These apps help users quickly locate the cheapest nearby option—an easy way to save money on long holiday drives.
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