Every driver who's stopped at a motorway service station knows the feeling: that wince when you see the fuel price on the totem. Motorway fuel can cost 20p or more per litre above local prices. But why? And is there anything you can do about it?
The extra cost to fill a typical tank at motorway services vs. local prices
The Real Reasons Behind High Motorway Prices
Motorway service station operators have several justifications for their premium pricing. Let's examine each one:
High Operating Costs
Service stations pay significant rent to Highways England and service area operators. They also have 24/7 staffing requirements, higher security costs, and must maintain extensive facilities beyond just fuel pumps.
Captive Audience
Let's be honest – if you're running low on fuel on the M1, you can't easily pop off to compare prices at three local stations. Motorway operators know you're stuck, and they price accordingly.
Delivery Logistics
Delivering fuel to remote motorway locations can be more expensive than urban areas. Though this cost difference is relatively small, it's often cited as a factor.
Lower Volume
While busy, motorway stations often sell less fuel overall than high-traffic urban stations. Lower volume means higher prices to maintain profitability.
What the Competition Authority Says
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has investigated fuel pricing multiple times. While they've found that motorway pricing is legal, they've expressed concern about the lack of competition and transparency.
Unlike on regular roads where you can see prices from competitors, motorway services operate as effective monopolies in their location. There's no incentive to compete on price when the next service station is 20 miles away.
How to Avoid Motorway Fuel Prices
The best defence against motorway fuel gouging is planning ahead:
- Fill up before you hit the motorway. Check prices using Fuelwise and fill up at a supermarket or local station before starting your motorway journey.
- Leave the motorway to refuel. Many junctions have petrol stations within a mile or two of the exit. The few extra minutes can save you £10 or more.
- Plan your route with fuel stops. On long journeys, identify cheaper refuelling points near junctions and build them into your journey plan.
- Use fuel-finder apps. Check prices at upcoming service stations and nearby junction exits to make informed decisions.
Smart Tip
Some motorway services near junction towns (like those on the M25) have more competitive pricing due to nearby competition. These can be better options than remote mid-motorway services if you must stop.
Is Change Coming?
There have been calls for regulation of motorway fuel prices, with some MPs suggesting that services should be required to match local prices or at least display comparative pricing. However, progress has been slow.
The rise of electric vehicles may eventually force change, as EV charging prices are more visible and comparable. For now, though, petrol and diesel drivers are largely left to fend for themselves.
The Bottom Line
Motorway fuel will likely always cost more due to a combination of genuine cost factors and market dynamics. The solution isn't to campaign for change (though that would be nice) – it's to plan ahead and avoid motorway fill-ups whenever possible.
Use Fuelwise to check prices before your journey and identify the cheapest stations along your route. Your wallet will thank you.