Petrol prices & refueling in Greece

Posted by

⛽ Everything You Need to Know (2026)

Anyone traveling to Greece by car or renting a car there will quickly notice: Fuel is more expensive than in Germany – but there are significant differences depending on the region and island.

Gasoline prices are among the highest in Europe.

However, with a little planning, it’s easy to save money, especially on longer journeys or island tours.

In this article, you’ll learn:

the current prices for gasoline, diesel, and LPG,

how refueling works in Greece,

where to find the cheapest fuel,

and tips to help you avoid unnecessary costs.

petrol station in Greece

1. Current Gasoline Prices in Greece (2026)

Gasoline prices in Greece fluctuate daily – depending on the region, the price of oil, and taxes.

For years, Greece has ranked in the top third in European comparisons.

(As of spring 2025, rounded average values)

Fuel type Price per liter (€) remark
Super (95 octane) approx. €1.95 On islands, sometimes over €2.10
Super Plus (98 octane) approx. €2.10 High-priced, only available at larger stations
Diesel approx. €1.70 Greater fluctuations by region
Autogas (LPG) approx. €1.05 Widespread on the mainland
E10 and E5 similar to Germany not available everywhere

Tip:
Gasoline is usually 10–20 cents more expensive on islands than on the mainland.

Transporting fuel by ship drives up prices.

2. Price differences between regions & islands

Prices vary greatly between urban and rural areas.

Region / Island Super (95) Diesel Special feature
Athens / Piraeus €1.88–1.92 1,65 € cheapest region
Thessaloniki / Northern Greece €1.85–1.90 1,63 € many gas stations, competition
Peloponnes 1,90–1,95 € 1,68 € relatively stable
Crete 1,98–2,05 € 1,72 € depending on the region
Rhodes 2,05–2,10 € 1,75 € more expensive due to island transport
Santorini / Mykonos €2.10–2.25 1,78 € Top prices
Naxos / Paros 2,00–2,10 € 1,73 € moderate
Mainland (Egnatia motorway) 1,88 € 1,65 € Motorways are more expensive than secondary roads.

3. How refueling works in Greece

Refueling in Greece is a bit different than in Germany – often more personal and straightforward.

⛽ Service refueling is the norm

At almost all gas stations, you’ll be served:

An attendant will fill your tank while you stay in your car.

You simply say:

“Full, please” – for a full tank,

or state the amount: “Twenty euros, please” (€20).

You only pay afterward, usually directly at the pump.

Self-service is sometimes available only at motorway service stations.

💳 Payment

Cash is the norm.

Card payments (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere, but it’s best to have cash on hand in small villages.

In rare cases, prepayment is required – especially at night.

⏰ Opening hours

Gas stations are often open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and 24/7 at motorway service stations and in major cities.

Many smaller stations are closed on Sundays.

Book accommodation in Greece now

Our tip

For hotels in Greece, the best option is Booking.com: a wide selection from guesthouses to resorts, genuine guest reviews, flexible (often free) cancellation, and fair prices.


4. Major petrol station chains in Greece

The best-known providers (represented nationwide):

brand Special features
EKO Largest chain, reliable, good quality
Shell Hellas Many stations, clean, credit cards accepted
AVIN Often found on islands, moderate price
BP in cities, mostly modern facilities
Aegean Greek brand, often cheaper
Elin / Cyclon local, mostly on islands

💡 Tip:

If you’re driving a rental car, it’s best to fill up at major brands – fuel quality is guaranteed there.

5. Quality & Scams – What to Look Out For

Fuel quality in Greece is generally good, but there are occasionally some shady operators, especially at very small, remote gas stations.

Pay attention to:

The price per liter on the display board.

Whether the meter starts at zero.

No distractions while refueling.

Always ask for a receipt.

The authorities conduct regular checks, but a quick glance never hurts.

Tipping in Greece

6. Saving Money on Fuel in Greece

Fill up on the mainland, not on the islands.

Filling up before the ferry can easily save €10–15.

Fill up in cities, not on highways.

Highway gas stations are up to 20 cents more expensive.

Pay attention to the time of day.

Prices are more stable in the mornings and late mornings, while they often rise slightly in the evenings.

Use apps:

fuelgr.gr or FuelGR (Android/iOS) show prices in real time.

Google Maps also often displays current gasoline prices in Greece.

For longer trips with a rental car:

Always fill up shortly before returning the car, ideally near the airport, but not directly at the rental station (usually more expensive).

See also: Prices in Greece – all the information for tourists

7. Refueling with a rental car

In Greece, there are no self-service pumps like in Northern Europe.

So you always have to go to the cashier or the attendant.

Important:

Check the refueling policy in the contract: usually “full-to-full”.

Keep the receipt – you may be asked for it when returning the car.

Fuel type: Rental cars almost always run on 95 octane premium gasoline; diesel is much less common.

Tip: Before setting off, ask which type of gasoline is permitted.

Choosing the wrong fuel can be expensive – and is a common mistake made by tourists in Greece.

8. Special Features of the Islands

Crete

Long distances, many mountain roads → higher fuel consumption.

Price differences between the north and south coasts.

Good density of gas stations.

Rhodes

Prices slightly above mainland levels.

During peak season (July–August), they often increase by 10–15 cents.

Santorini / Mykonos

Very expensive (transport costs).

Gas stations often close early – always fill up in time!

Naxos / Paros

Moderate, usually fair.

In small villages, it may be that only one station is open.

Corfu

Many gas stations, cheaper than on other islands.

Good availability of diesel and LPG.

9. Diesel & Autogas (LPG)

Diesel

Primarily used by locals.

Clean diesel cars are permitted, but older vehicles (Euro 3 or older) are sometimes banned from driving in the city centers of Athens and Thessaloniki.

Diesel is about 20–25 cents cheaper than gasoline, making it an attractive option.

LPG (Autogas)

Widely available on the Greek mainland.

Price: €1.00–€1.10 per liter

Inexpensive, but the refueling network on the islands is limited.

Stations are usually marked with a sign for “LPG” or “Ygraério” (Ygraério).

For tourists with their own LPG-powered vehicles, it’s only worthwhile on mainland routes.

10. Electric Cars & Charging Stations

Electric mobility is still in its infancy in Greece.

However:

More and more public charging points are being installed in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Crete.

Many hotels now offer outlets or wallboxes.

Key providers:

DEI Blue (public electricity provider)

Blink Charging

Fortizo

💡 App tip:

Use “ChargeMap” or “PlugShare” to find all available charging stations in Greece.

11. Tolls, Roads & Combining Charging with Fuel Consumption

Anyone traveling through Greece by car should factor toll costs into their budget.

They are moderate, but add up over long distances.

Route Toll costs (approx.) distance Petrol costs (Super €1.95)
Athens – Thessaloniki 35 € 500 km approx. €55–60
Athens – Patras 15 € 210 km approx. €25
Athens – Kalamata 13 € 240 km approx. €27
Heraklion – Chania (Crete) no toll 145 km approx. €17

👉 Average fuel consumption on mountain roads: 6–8 l/100 km
Consumption increases, especially on islands, due to numerous curves and elevation changes.

12. Safety & Conduct at Gas Stations

Turn off the engine, put away your cell phone – no smoking!

Never stay in the car while refueling (especially with LPG).

Ask for a receipt – it can sometimes help in rental car disputes.

Refuel at night: only at well-lit, busy stations.

Don’t fill the tank to the brim – fuel expands in the heat.

13. Environment and Sustainability

Greece is increasingly striving for more environmentally friendly mobility:

Tax breaks for electric cars

Promotion of solar energy

Expansion of the charging infrastructure on islands

Nevertheless, traffic remains heavily reliant on gasoline – primarily due to tourism.

Those who want to show environmental awareness can:

Carpool,

Rent scooters or e-bikes,

Travel short distances on foot or by bus.

14. Typical questions about refueling in Greece

➡️ Is E10 available in Greece?

Rarely. Most stations carry regular Super (95).

➡️ Can I pay with a debit card?

Mostly only with credit cards (Visa, Mastercard). Debit cards (Girocard) often don’t work. See: Money in Greece

➡️ How much does diesel currently cost in Crete?

On average €1.72–1.75 (2025).

➡️ Are there self-service pumps?

Only at a few modern stations, e.g., Shell in Athens or Thessaloniki.

➡️ What should I do if I’ve filled up with the wrong fuel?

Do not start the engine, inform the attendant immediately. Garages are usually reachable within 15 minutes.

15. Conclusion: Refueling with a clear plan and a relaxed attitude

Refueling in Greece is easy if you know the differences.

Prices are higher than in Central Europe, but the experience is more personal – you’ll receive friendly service almost everywhere.

With a little planning and local knowledge, you’ll save money and hassle:

Refuel on the mainland or in cities,

keep your receipts handy,

and plan for sufficient range for island routes.

Then nothing stands in the way of relaxed road trips through sunshine, olive groves, and small mountain villages.

👉 In short:

Refueling in Greece costs more – but with knowledge, timing, and a relaxed attitude, it remains stress-free and straightforward.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *