How Much Does It Cost to Drive 100 km in Romania?

According to PretCarburant.ro data, the average cost to drive 100 km in a petrol car, with an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 kilometres, is approximately 60.62 lei. This value is calculated using the average price of 8.66 lei/L for 95 petrol.

For a diesel car with the same consumption of 7 L/100 km, the average cost comes to around 64.54 lei, given the average diesel price of 9.22 lei/L. It is important to note that these costs can vary significantly depending on the fuel station, driving style, and traffic conditions, but these averages provide a solid starting point for estimates.

The variation in cost per 100 km is one of the biggest concerns for drivers. Taking a reference consumption of 7 L/100 km, we can observe notable differences. For 95 petrol, with an average price of 8.66 lei/L, the cost is 60.62 lei/100 km. Diesel, at an average price of 9.22 lei/L, reaches 64.54 lei/100 km.

The most economical option remains LPG. Even though some drivers report slightly higher consumption with LPG, the price difference is substantial. With an average price of 4.55 lei/L, a consumption of 7 L/100 km (or equivalent) would generate a cost of approximately 31.85 lei/100 km. We thus see a saving of 4.11 lei/L compared to petrol, which translates into significant savings in the long run.

The cost of a full tank of fuel varies depending on the fuel type and tank capacity. A 50-litre fill-up of 95 petrol costs an average of 433 lei, according to our data. With this tank, a car with a consumption of 7 L/100 km can cover approximately 714 kilometres under optimal conditions.

For diesel, a 50-litre fill-up has an average cost of 461 lei. The same consumption of 7 L/100 km would allow us to cover around 714 kilometres as well. These estimates are useful for planning your travel budget and avoiding unpleasant surprises on the road, especially since prices can vary by as much as 0.83 lei/L between stations across the country.

Price differences between fuel stations can be surprising and offer a real opportunity for savings. For example, we have found that the maximum difference between the lowest and highest price for petrol can reach 0.83 lei/L. This means that with a 50-litre fill-up of petrol, you can save up to 41.5 lei simply by choosing the station with the best price.

This variation applies to diesel as well, where the differences are similar. By checking prices on our platform, where we monitor 1671 stations nationwide, drivers can quickly identify the most advantageous offers and significantly reduce their fuel costs over the course of a month or an entire year. It is not a negligible amount, especially when it adds up.

To estimate monthly and annual costs, we need to assume an average mileage. Let's take as an example a car with a consumption of 7 L/100 km that covers 1,000 kilometres per month, which means approximately 12,000 kilometres per year.

Using the average petrol price of 8.66 lei/L, the monthly cost would be 606.2 lei (7L/100km * 1000km * 8.66 lei/L). Annually, this amount comes to approximately 7,274.4 lei. For diesel, at an average price of 9.22 lei/L, the monthly cost would be 645.4 lei, and the annual cost around 7,744.8 lei. These calculations show us that, even at a moderate mileage, fuel expenses represent an important component of the car budget.

Differences in fuel consumption, even seemingly small ones, have a major impact on long-term costs. Let's compare three scenarios for an annual mileage of 15,000 km, using the average petrol price of 8.66 lei/L. An economical car with a consumption of 5 L/100 km would generate an annual cost of approximately 6,495 lei.

A car with an average consumption of 7 L/100 km would reach a cost of around 9,093 lei per year. In contrast, a car with a higher consumption of 9 L/100 km would entail annual expenses of approximately 11,691 lei. We can see that a difference of just 2 litres per 100 kilometres between the economical car and the average one translates into a difference of over 2,500 lei per year, and between the average and the high-consumption car the difference is likewise over 2,500 lei. Choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle is therefore a smart long-term financial decision.

Absolutely! LPG remains an extremely attractive alternative for drivers who want to significantly reduce fuel costs. With an average price of 4.55 lei/L, LPG is 4.11 lei/L cheaper than 95 petrol. This major difference translates into substantial savings at every fill-up.

For a consumption of 7 L/100 km, the cost with LPG is around 31.85 lei, compared to 60.62 lei for petrol. This saving of nearly 29 lei per 100 km adds up quickly. Even with slightly higher consumption, the initial investment in an LPG conversion kit is often recouped within a year or two, making LPG a viable solution for many Romanian drivers, especially those who cover long distances.

A car's fuel consumption is not a fixed value — it is influenced by a multitude of factors that translate directly into higher or lower costs. Driving style plays a key role: sudden acceleration and late braking can increase consumption by up to 20-30%. Similarly, heavy traffic and city driving, with frequent stops and starts, are far more costly than a steady run on the motorway.

Extreme weather conditions — such as very low temperatures that require more time for the engine to reach its optimal temperature, or intensive use of air conditioning in scorching heat — can add to consumption. Poor vehicle maintenance, from incorrect tyre pressure to clogged air filters or worn spark plugs, can increase consumption by 5-10%. Even extra weight carried or the use of bicycle racks/roof boxes can significantly affect how often we need to fill up; given that the average petrol price is 8.66 lei/L, every extra litre counts.