SUPERMARKET
BRAND BATTLE 🛒
Who is actually the cheapest? We track live prices across 5125 stations to settle the debate.
The "Lazy Tax"
How much you save per tank (50L) by choosing a supermarket station instead of a premium brand.
Live prices averaged from 5,125 UK stations. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which supermarket has the cheapest petrol?
It varies by location, but Costco is consistently the cheapest nationwide, followed closely by Asda and Morrisons. Our live Brand Battle tracks daily averages across thousands of stations.
Is supermarket fuel lower quality?
No. All UK fuel meets BS EN standards. Supermarkets buy from the same refineries as name brands. The main difference is the additive package used by premium brands.
Why is Costco fuel so cheap?
Costco operates a membership model with high volume and low margins. They treat fuel as a member benefit rather than a primary profit center. You must be a member to buy.
Asda vs Tesco: Who is cheaper?
Historically Asda led, but recently Tesco and Sainsbury's have become extremely competitive. It often depends on which supermarket is closer to a local independent rival.
Does supermarket fuel contain cleaning additives?
Yes, but usually in lower concentrations than premium brands like Shell V-Power or BP Ultimate. Supermarket fuel is perfectly safe for daily drivers.
Is it worth driving to Costco for cheap fuel?
If you are filling a full tank and live within 5-10 miles, the 10-15p saving per litre usually pays for the trip and the membership over time.
Why are some Asda stations unmanned?
Asda is transitioning many sites to 'Pay at Pump' only to reduce overheads and pass savings to customers. These sites often have the lowest prices in the town.
Do supermarkets fix prices together?
No, price fixing is illegal. However, they use sophisticated algorithms to track each other's prices daily, leading to the 'cluster' pricing we see.
Which brand has the best premium diesel?
Shell V-Power and BP Ultimate are the market leaders for premium diesel, offering higher cetane ratings and advanced cleaning agents for modern engines.
Is Applegreen a budget brand?
Applegreen focuses on low-cost fuel and high-quality food (often partnering with Gregs/Subway). They are usually very competitive with supermarkets.
Why is BP usually more expensive than Tesco?
BP is a premium oil major with high marketing costs and a different franchise model. They focus on convenience and 'Invigorate' fuel technology.
Do independent stations ever beat supermarkets?
Yes. In many towns, independent 'unbranded' stations aggressively undercut supermarkets to win volume. Always check the Resolvo map!
Is Gulf fuel any good?
Gulf is a respected global brand. In the UK, Gulf stations are often independent franchises that offer competitive pricing and high-quality fuel.
What is the difference between Jet and Esso?
Both are oil majors, but Jet often positions itself as a 'value' major, frequently undercutting Esso and Shell in regional markets.
Does Sainsbury's offer fuel vouchers?
They frequently offer 'Spend £60 get 5p off per litre' vouchers. These can make them the absolute cheapest option for a weekly shop.
Do Morrisons fuel prices vary by store?
Yes, Morrisons pricing is highly localized based on the nearest competitor. Always check your specific store on our map.
Is Shell V-Power worth the extra cost?
For high-performance engines or older cars prone to carbon buildup, the additives in V-Power can help. For a standard commuter car, regular Shell is fine.
Can I use an Asda fuel card at other stations?
Asda specific cards are usually for their own network, but most site-branded cards are managed by larger networks like FuelGenie.
Why did my local brand change its name?
Fuel sites frequently change 'flags' (brands) when supply contracts end. A site might change from Esso to BP or Texaco overnight.
Which brand has the best coffee?
BP (Wild Bean Cafe) and Shell (Costa Express/Little Waitrose) lead on the 'convenience' front, which is why they often charge a premium.