Gasoline vs. Diesel: The Real Cost per 100 km

According to PretCarburant.ro data, today, diesel is more advantageous per hundred kilometers driven, with an estimated cost of 59.95 lei, compared to 70.35 lei for gasoline.

This significant difference, of almost 10.4 lei every 100 km, is explained by the specific consumption of each engine type. We took into account a typical consumption of 7 liters/100 km for gasoline and 5.5 liters/100 km for diesel. Even though the average price of gasoline (10.05 lei/L) is lower than that of diesel (10.90 lei/L), the superior efficiency of diesel engines compensates for this difference.

If we consider a standard 50-liter fill-up, the costs differ considerably. A 50-liter fill-up of 95 gasoline costs, on average, 503 lei, while the same volume of diesel reaches 545 lei.

Here, the impact of the price per liter is directly observed, where diesel is more expensive. However, as shown above, this higher initial cost at the pump is often offset by lower consumption over long distances. It is important to look beyond the price per liter and calculate the real cost per kilometer driven.

Today, according to data collected by PretCarburant.ro from the 1376 stations with valid prices, the average price for 95 Gasoline is 10.05 lei/L, and for Diesel it is 10.90 lei/L.

The average prices are calculated from a total of 5591 valid prices available nationwide, offering a clear picture of the market. It is important to note that these averages mask local variations. For example, the minimum price for 95 Gasoline was 9.99 lei/L, and the maximum was 10.11 lei/L. For Diesel, the variation was between 10.69 lei/L (minimum) and 10.96 lei/L (maximum).

Fuel prices can vary, even within the same city or between stations of the same chain. Today, we recorded a difference of 0.12 lei/L between the minimum and maximum price for 95 Gasoline nationwide. For Diesel, the variation is similar, between 10.69 lei/L and 10.96 lei/L.

This difference, although it may seem small at first glance, can translate into several lei saved with each fill-up. Therefore, checking prices in real-time before refueling is becoming an increasingly common practice among drivers. Our platform monitors 1823 physical stations, helping you always find the best offer.

This apparent paradox is explained by fuel efficiency. Even though a liter of diesel costs 10.90 lei, compared to 10.05 lei for gasoline, diesel engines generally have superior thermal efficiency and lower fuel consumption for the same distance traveled.

A modern diesel engine can cover 100 km with approximately 5.5 liters of fuel, while a gasoline engine, under similar conditions, might consume around 7 liters. This difference of 1.5 liters per hundred kilometers cancels out and even overcomes the higher cost per liter of diesel, making it a more economical long-term option, especially for those who travel considerable distances.

The PretCarburant.ro platform boasts an extensive monitoring network, covering an impressive 1823 physical stations across the country.

Of these, we have valid prices from 1376 stations, which means a total of 5591 updated prices are available for consultation. This broad coverage allows us to provide the most accurate and relevant information possible, helping you make informed decisions about refueling your car.

Yes, in the Romanian market, the most notable cheaper alternative to gasoline and diesel is automotive LPG. The average price of LPG is 4.71 lei/L, making it significantly more affordable.

Specifically, LPG is 5.34 lei/L cheaper than gasoline, representing substantial savings on every fill-up. Although converting a car to run on LPG involves an initial cost and slightly higher consumption than gasoline, the significant price difference per liter makes the investment quickly pay off for drivers who cover many kilometers annually. There are also stations offering LPG with prices starting from 4.46 lei/L.

The decision between gasoline and diesel largely depends on personal driving style and the number of kilometers driven annually. Even though diesel offers a lower cost per 100 km (approximately 59.95 lei vs 70.35 lei for gasoline), other factors must also be considered.

A gasoline car is generally more advantageous for urban traffic, short distances, frequent starts, and a low number of kilometers driven annually. Acquisition and maintenance costs can sometimes be lower. On the other hand, a diesel car excels on long journeys, for daily commutes over considerable distances, or when driving many thousands of kilometers annually, where fuel savings are most keenly felt. The difference of 10.4 lei every 100 km accumulates quickly, making diesel the preferred option for long-distance drivers.