Current Petrol Prices Compared: Spain vs. United Kingdom (2025)
The cost of petrol is a crucial factor for drivers. This article compares the current petrol prices in Spain and the United Kingdom and analyzes the underlying reasons for price differences.
What is the Cost of Petrol in Spain?
In May 2025, the average price for Super 95 in Spain is approximately €1.444 per liter. Other sources mention slightly different values, but they fall within a similar price range. In April 2025, the average price for unleaded petrol was around €1.50 per liter. Prices can vary regionally. For example, the Canary Islands are often cheaper with an average of €1.174/liter, while the Balearic Islands can be more expensive at up to €1.572/liter.
Average Petrol Prices in Spain (May 2025):
- Super 95: ~€1.44 – €1.50 per liter
How Much Does Petrol Cost in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, the average price for unleaded petrol in March 2025 was about 137.39 pence per liter. With an exchange rate of 1 EUR = 0.86 GBP, this equates to approximately €1.59 per liter. Regional differences also exist here. Northern Ireland tends to have lower prices than other regions.
Average Petrol Prices in the United Kingdom (March 2025):
- Unleaded: ~€1.59 per liter (137.39 pence per liter)
Direct Price Comparison
A direct comparison shows that petrol is currently generally more expensive in the United Kingdom than in Spain. The exact price difference depends on the current exchange rate and the specific region.
Factors Influencing Petrol Prices
Petrol prices are influenced by various factors that affect Spain and the United Kingdom to different extents.
Taxes on Petrol
- Spain: Petrol prices in Spain include Value Added Tax (IVA) of 21% and the Special Tax on Hydrocarbons (Impuesto sobre Hidrocarburos). Taxes make up a significant portion of the final price; for Super 95, it’s about 49.4%.
- United Kingdom: In the UK, petrol prices consist of the wholesale price, biofuel additives, delivery and distribution costs, the retailer margin, Fuel Duty, and Value Added Tax (VAT) of 20%. Fuel Duty currently stands at 52.95 pence per liter for both petrol and diesel. In October 2024, taxes accounted for approximately 56% of the petrol price.
Crude Oil Prices and Exchange Rates
Global crude oil prices, particularly for Brent Crude , and exchange rates (EUR/USD for Spain, GBP/USD for the UK) have a direct impact on wholesale prices and consequently on consumer prices in both countries.
Other Factors
Additionally, distribution and transport costs, refinery margins, and the profit margins of petrol station operators play a role in price setting.
Historical Development of Petrol Prices
Petrol Prices in Spain Over Time
Petrol prices in Spain have fluctuated in recent years. A significant increase was observed in 2022.
Average Annual Petrol Prices in Spain (Super 95, in €/Liter):
| Year | Average Price (€/Liter) |
|---|---|
| 2020 | ~1.10-1.31 |
| 2021 | ~1.21-1.51 |
| 2022 | ~1.51-2.14 |
| 2023 | ~1.54-1.74 |
| 2024 | ~1.37-1.67 |
| 2025 (to April) | ~1.50-1.56 |
Petrol Prices in the United Kingdom Over Time
Petrol prices in the UK also reached record highs in 2022.
Average Annual Petrol Prices in the United Kingdom (Unleaded, in Pence/Liter):
| Year | Average Price (Pence/Liter) |
|---|---|
| 2020 | ~114 |
| 2021 | ~131 |
| 2022 | ~165 |
| 2023 | ~148 |
| 2024 | ~141 |
| 2025 (to March) | ~137.39 |
Conclusion: Petrol Prices in a European Comparison
Currently, drivers in the United Kingdom tend to pay more for petrol than in Spain. This is mainly due to the higher taxation of fuels in the UK. However, historical data shows that both countries experience similar price fluctuations, influenced by global events such as the Ukraine war. Future price developments will depend on various factors, including crude oil prices, exchange rates, and government policies.
Important Note: Petrol prices are subject to constant changes. It is advisable to check current local prices.