Why does the price of petrol vary at the pump in Romania?

According to PretCarburant.ro data, the average price of 95 petrol today was 8.66 lei/L, however we have observed significant variations, influenced by a multitude of factors, from the physical location of the station to the commercial policy of each operator. There is no single price, but rather a wide range determined by acquisition costs, transport, commercial margins, local competition and even the additional services offered.

A crucial factor is the station's positioning. A station located on a motorway or in an isolated area, with limited access to other options, will often have higher prices than one situated in a large city, where competition is fierce and forces operators to constantly adjust their prices to attract customers. Operating and distribution costs, which vary depending on location, are quickly reflected in the final price at the pump.

Furthermore, each fuel station network sets its own pricing strategies, based on brand, the perceived quality of fuels and the target market segment. This complexity leads to tangible price differences that you can notice whenever you fill up.

Price variations can be surprisingly large and translate into significant savings for attentive drivers. Today, we recorded a spread of 0.83 lei/L for Benzină 95 across the stations monitored at national level. Specifically, the lowest price for Benzină 95 was 8.42 lei/L, while the highest reached 9.25 lei/L.

This difference of almost one leu per litre is far from negligible. For a standard fill-up of 50 litres, such a discrepancy means you would pay over 40 lei more or less, depending on which station you choose. It is an amount that adds up quickly over the course of a month or a year.

Constant monitoring of all 1671 stations allows us to observe these fluctuations in real time and to provide a clear picture of the price landscape, highlighting savings opportunities for drivers.

Yes, location is one of the most important factors shaping fuel prices. A station situated on a motorway or on heavily trafficked routes, where drivers have fewer alternatives and a greater sense of urgency, will generally display higher prices. These prices can also be influenced by higher operating costs, such as land rent or more complex supply logistics.

In contrast, stations in cities — especially those located in areas with a high density of petrol stations — face fierce competition. This direct competition forces operators to adjust their prices downward in order to attract and retain customers. Here, drivers have the advantage of quickly comparing offers and choosing the most advantageous option.

The difference of 0.83 lei/L that we recorded today between the minimum and maximum price for Benzină 95 is clear proof of the significant impact that location has on the final cost at the pump, turning the choice of station into an important financial decision.

Absolutely, fuel brands have distinct pricing strategies, contributing significantly to the variations we observe on the market. Large networks, such as OMV, Petrom, Rompetrol, MOL, or Lukoil, position their products differently, with some targeting the premium segment with additive fuels and extended services, while others focus on high sales volume, offering more competitive prices.

Although the average price for Benzină 95 is 8.66 lei/L, behind this average lie the strategic decisions of each operator. For example, one brand may offer a perceived superior fuel quality, justifying a higher price, while another may opt for a discount approach, attracting customers through lower costs.

These brand policies reflect not only acquisition costs, but also investments in marketing, infrastructure, and innovation, all of which are reflected in the final price displayed at the pump. Therefore, loyalty to a particular brand can mean either the comfort of quality or an additional expense.

The commercial margin is an essential component of the final price we pay for fuel. It represents the difference between the price at which the fuel station acquires the fuel and the price at which it is sold to the consumer, covering a wide range of operational costs and generating the profit necessary for the station to operate.

Included in this margin are expenses such as staff salaries, utility costs (electricity, water, gas), equipment maintenance, local taxes and duties, as well as other administrative costs. The size of this margin can vary considerably from one station to another, depending on the business model, sales volume, and competitive pressure in the respective area.

A station with a high sales volume can afford a smaller margin per litre, relying on quantity to generate profit, while a station with low traffic or premium services may apply a larger margin to cover its fixed costs and ensure profitability. This flexibility in setting the margin contributes directly to the 0.83 lei/L difference we observed today for Benzină 95 among the monitored stations.

The additional services offered by a fuel station play an important role in the structure of the price at the pump. Modern petrol stations are often true service centres, including convenience stores, car washes, restaurants, or even charging stations for electric vehicles. All these facilities involve operating costs, from staff and utilities to equipment maintenance.

These additional costs are, to a certain extent, built into the price of fuel. A station that offers a wide range of services and a high level of comfort for customers will likely have slightly higher fuel prices than a simple station focused exclusively on fuel dispensing. For example, the maximum price of 9.25 lei/L for Benzină 95, recorded today, can often be found at locations that emphasise the complete customer experience.

Thus, drivers pay not only for the litre of petrol or diesel, but also for access to these additional facilities, which can save them time and offer extra comfort during their journey.

The price difference between LPG and petrol is often one of the largest, and today we recorded a difference of 4.11 lei/L in favour of LPG. This substantial discrepancy is the result of a combination of factors, including lower taxation, a simpler refining process, and different production and distribution costs.

First, the excise duties and taxes applied to automotive LPG are significantly lower compared to those imposed on petrol and diesel, a measure that encourages the use of this alternative fuel. Second, the process of obtaining LPG is less complex and less costly than that of petrol, because LPG is a by-product of oil refining and natural gas extraction.

Thus, while the average price of 95 petrol is 8.66 lei/L, automotive LPG has an average price of 4.55 lei/L, offering a far more economical alternative for drivers whose vehicles are equipped with an LPG system. This remarkable difference makes LPG an attractive option for reducing long-term transport costs.

Consciously choosing the station with the lowest price can lead to real and significant savings, especially for drivers who cover long distances or fill up frequently. We calculated that, for a standard fill of 50 litres of Benzină 95, the difference between the lowest price (8.42 lei/L) and the highest price (9.25 lei/L) is 41.5 lei.

Concretely, filling up 50 litres at the cheapest station would cost you 421 lei, while at the most expensive it would reach 462.5 lei. This saving of 41.5 lei on a single fill-up adds up quickly. If you fill up twice a month, you can save over 80 lei per month, which means almost 1,000 lei per year, simply by checking prices beforehand.

Even for motorină, where the average price is 9.22 lei/L and the variation between the minimum of 8.54 lei/L and the maximum of 9.34 lei/L is noticeable, the savings on a 50-litre fill-up amount to 40 lei. Therefore, being informed about prices before fuelling up is not just an option — it is a smart budget management strategy.

Finding the most advantageous fuel prices is now easier than ever, thanks to real-time monitoring platforms. At PretCarburant.ro, we monitor prices at all 1671 stations in Romania, constantly updating information to give you the most accurate picture of the market.

Using such a platform allows you to visualize fuel prices in your area or along your route on an interactive map. This way, you can quickly identify stations with the lowest prices for Benzină 95, Motorină, or GPL auto before setting off, saving both time and money.

There is no longer any need to search at random or rely on intuition. With precise and up-to-date information, you can make informed decisions, turning every fill-up into a savings opportunity and avoiding unpleasant surprises related to high prices.