It's one of the most debated topics among UK drivers: is supermarket fuel really as good as fuel from big-name brands like Shell, BP, or Esso? With price differences of up to 10p per litre, the answer could save you hundreds of pounds a year – or cost you in long-term engine damage. Let's examine the facts.
The Basics: Where Does Fuel Come From?
Here's something that might surprise you: almost all fuel sold in the UK comes from the same refineries. Whether you're filling up at Tesco or Shell, the base petrol or diesel often originates from the same source. The UK has six major refineries, and fuel is distributed through a shared pipeline network.
So if the base fuel is the same, what's the difference? The answer lies in the additives.
The Additive Difference
All fuel in the UK must meet a minimum standard set by British and European regulations (BS EN 228 for petrol and BS EN 590 for diesel). This ensures basic quality and performance requirements are met by every retailer.
However, premium brands add their own proprietary additive packages on top of this minimum standard. These additives are designed to:
- Clean the engine – removing carbon deposits from fuel injectors and intake valves
- Protect against corrosion – preventing rust and wear inside the fuel system
- Improve combustion – potentially increasing efficiency and power
- Reduce emissions – burning cleaner for lower environmental impact
Important Note
Supermarkets do add their own additives to meet minimum standards and protect engines. The question is whether the extra additives in premium fuel justify the higher price.
What the Experts Say
The AA and RAC have both stated that supermarket fuel is perfectly safe and suitable for everyday use. Modern engines are designed to run on standard fuel that meets regulatory requirements.
However, some motoring experts suggest that over many thousands of miles, the superior additive packages in premium fuel may help keep engines cleaner and running more efficiently. This is particularly relevant for older cars or those doing lots of short journeys where carbon deposits can build up.
Comparing the Options
| Factor | Supermarket Fuel | Premium Brand Fuel |
|---|---|---|
| Base fuel quality | Meets all UK standards | Meets all UK standards |
| Additive package | Basic (meets minimum) | Enhanced proprietary blend |
| Price (typical) | 139.9p/litre | 147.9p/litre |
| Engine cleaning | Basic protection | Enhanced cleaning agents |
| Fuel economy | Standard | Potentially 1-2% better |
| Best for | Daily driving, budget-conscious | Performance cars, high mileage |
What About Premium/Super Fuels?
Beyond standard branded fuel, you'll also see "super" or "premium" fuels like Shell V-Power and BP Ultimate. These offer higher octane ratings (99 vs standard 95) and even more additives.
For most everyday cars, these premium fuels won't provide noticeable benefits – your standard family hatchback is designed to run on 95 octane. However, high-performance vehicles and some German cars are specifically tuned for higher octane fuel and may benefit from it.
Our Recommendations
Based on our research, here's our practical advice:
- For everyday driving – Supermarket fuel is absolutely fine. You're unlikely to notice any difference in performance or longevity, and the savings add up significantly.
- For older vehicles – Consider using branded fuel occasionally (every 3-4 tanks) to benefit from the cleaning additives.
- For performance cars – Follow your manufacturer's recommendations. If they specify premium fuel, it's worth using it.
- For high mileage drivers – The cleaning benefits of premium additives may be more worthwhile if you're covering 15,000+ miles per year.
The Verdict
For the vast majority of UK drivers, supermarket fuel is perfectly good and represents excellent value. Save your money on everyday fill-ups and use the savings for proper servicing – that's what really keeps your engine healthy in the long run.
The Bottom Line
Don't let fuel snobbery cost you money. Supermarket fuel meets all UK safety and quality standards, and millions of drivers use it every day without any issues. If you're doing 10,000 miles a year and save 8p per litre by using supermarket fuel, that's around £120 saved annually.
Use Fuelwise to find the cheapest prices near you – whether that's a supermarket or a branded station running a promotion.