Petrol or diesel: which is cheaper per 100 km?

The calculation for a 100 km journey on petrol, based on a typical consumption of 7 litres per 100 kilometres, indicates an average cost of 60.48 lei. This figure is obtained by multiplying the consumption by the current average price of Petrol 95, which is 8.64 lei per litre.

On the Romanian market, the price of Petrol 95 varies considerably. We have observed that the average price of 8.64 lei/L is calculated based on data collected from 1390 monitored stations. However, at the pump, these prices can fluctuate between a minimum of 8.27 lei/L and a maximum of 9.25 lei/L, generating a difference of nearly one leu per litre between stations.

For diesel, the estimated cost to drive 100 kilometres is 50.49 lei, assuming a typical consumption of 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres. This calculation is based on the average diesel price of 9.18 lei per litre.

Although diesel has a higher average price per litre than petrol (9.18 lei versus 8.64 lei), the superior efficiency of diesel engines, which consume less fuel, means that overall the cost per distance is lower. Diesel prices also vary across stations, from a minimum of 8.32 lei/L to a maximum of 9.26 lei/L.

The explanation is simple and comes down to fuel efficiency. Even though the average price per litre of diesel, at 9.18 lei, is higher than that of petrol (8.64 lei), diesel engines are generally designed to be more economical. A typical consumption of 5.5 litres per 100 km for diesel is significantly lower than 7 litres per 100 km for petrol — a difference that cancels out, and even exceeds, the higher cost per litre.

This difference in consumption turns a higher price per litre into a lower final cost per distance travelled. In practice, we pay more per litre of diesel, but we need fewer litres to cover the same distance, resulting in substantial long-term savings for diesel drivers. As a result, the 50.49 lei needed for 100 km with diesel is considerably less than the 60.48 lei required for petrol.

If we look strictly at the cost of a 50-litre full tank, without factoring in subsequent fuel consumption, the picture is different. For a 50-litre full tank of petrol, you will pay on average 432 lei. This figure is calculated based on the average price of 8.64 lei/L.

In the case of diesel, a 50-litre full tank will cost you on average 459 lei, given the average price of 9.18 lei/L. So at the pump, a full tank of diesel is 27 lei more expensive than one of petrol. This shows that the choice between petrol and diesel should not be made solely on the basis of the cost of a full tank, but through a careful analysis of fuel efficiency over distance.

Yes, price differences between fuel stations can be considerable and it is worth looking for the most advantageous ones. For example, for Petrol 95, we recorded a spread of 0.98 lei/L between the minimum price (8.27 lei/L) and the maximum price (9.25 lei/L) at national level. This means that on a 50-litre fill-up, you can save almost 50 lei simply by choosing the right station.

The situation is similar for diesel, where prices range from 8.32 lei/L to 9.26 lei/L, a difference of 0.94 lei/L. These fluctuations highlight the importance of checking prices before you fill up. We constantly monitor prices from 1390 stations across the country to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Fuel consumption is the decisive factor in determining the real cost per kilometre, often eclipsing differences in price per litre. A car with optimised consumption, even running on more expensive fuel at the pump, will generate lower costs over distance. Our analysis, using 7 L/100 km for petrol and 5.5 L/100 km for diesel, clearly demonstrates this.

The engine type, driving style, traffic conditions, and even vehicle maintenance directly influence consumption. A petrol car that exceptionally consumes only 5 litres per 100 kilometres could become more advantageous than a diesel car consuming 7 litres per 100 kilometres, regardless of the price per litre. It is essential to know the real consumption of your own vehicle for an accurate cost assessment.

Besides petrol and diesel, LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) represents a significantly more economical alternative, especially for owners of petrol-engine cars. At the national level, the average price of automotive LPG is 4.53 lei per litre, almost half the price of petrol. The price difference compared to petrol is 4.11 lei/L, in favour of LPG.

Although installing an LPG system involves an initial investment, the costs are recovered quickly, especially for drivers who cover long distances. Even though an LPG vehicle may have a slightly higher consumption in litres than its petrol equivalent, the much lower price per litre generates substantial savings. It is a viable option for reducing operating costs.

The current situation, with diesel being more advantageous per 100 km, is not an absolute rule. Petrol could become more advantageous if the price-per-litre difference between the two fuels were reversed or drastically reduced, alongside a notable improvement in petrol engine efficiency. For example, if the price of diesel were to rise significantly, reaching a level far above petrol, while typical consumption figures remained the same, the balance would tip.

Likewise, technological advances in petrol engine development that would bring consumption below the current threshold of 7 litres/100 km could change the equation. At present, given the average price of 8.64 lei/L for petrol and 9.18 lei/L for diesel, alongside typical consumption figures of 7 L vs 5.5 L, petrol would need to become considerably cheaper or much more efficient to surpass diesel in terms of cost per 100 km.

To make sure you always refuel at the best price, the PretCarburant.ro platform is at your disposal with real-time updated information. We continuously monitor prices across all 1390 fueling stations throughout the country, giving you a complete picture of the market.

You can use our interactive map to quickly find nearby stations with the lowest prices for your desired fuel type. Whether you are looking for Petrol 95, Diesel, or LPG, a few clicks can save you considerable amounts, especially given the large price differences we have observed between stations — of nearly one leu per litre.