Petrol and gas prices have fluctuated following major international events in recent years.
They skyrocketed across Europe following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and now, with recent developments in the Middle East, war in Iran could further shock fuel markets and send prices at the pumps soaring.
READ ALSO: How will war in Iran impact life in Spain?
Iran accounts for around 10 percent of global reserves and is the third largest producer in OPEC. Crude oil shot up by more than 8 percent in the aftermath of the first wave of attacks on Tehran, and the price of a barrel of Brent crude oil, considered the benchmark in Europe, has fluctuated and reached nearly $80 compared to $72.48 at the end of trading before the strikes began.
Some estimates suggest that the price of Brent crude could reach $100 per barrel if the Strait of Hormuz, the usual route for five of the world's ten leading oil producers, remains closed.
This is already having a direct impact on petrol pumps in Spain. According to the Mediterranean Federation of Service Stations (FedMes), suppliers have announced "drastic" increases for scheduled future deliveries meaning that diesel could rise by around 12 cents per litre and petrol by around six cents, if not more.
As such, many drivers in Spain are already looking for cheaper prices at the pumps. There are already reports in the Spanish press of queues of cars at petrol stations across the country, with drivers fearing steep price hikes soon.
Where can you find cheap petrol stations in Spain?
Driving website deiselogasolina.com has found that Ballenoil, BonÀrea, and Alcampo service station chains are generally the cheapest places to fill up, while Repsol, Cepsa, Galp and Shell are most expensive.
Fill up locally
According to the OCU, the most expensive places to fill up are the ones that have the most service stations and are more prevalent throughout the whole country, while those with the lowest prices tend to be budget regional or supermarket chains, with less presence on motorways.
The average price of gas stations located on the main roads or highways is usually higher than the rest.
If you want to save on fuel, it’s best to fill up in your local town before you hit the road.
Gas stations with the lowest prices tend to be in agricultural areas and smaller cities next to large cities, but it is difficult to find them because only one in six has low price levels compared to the average.
How to find the cheapest petrol stations
Prices vary from region to region and area to area, so how do you know where to find the cheapest place to fill up?
Google Maps
One of the best ways to find out the cheapest place is in fact via Google Maps, where you can find the up to date prices for each station. It works both on the mobile app and a computer. First, click on Petrol Station or Gasolinera button, which appears below or next to the search bar. This will generate a map of all the petrol stations and their prices, closest to you. You can also change the search area, if you want to check the prices somewhere else.
Keep in mind that not all petrol stations will display prices. If you want to find out the prices of different types of petrol, as well as diesel at a particular petrol station, simply click on it and it will give a list of the types it offers and the prices.
Other websites
There are several other websites that work in a similar way to Google Maps, including elpreciodelagasolina.com and dieselogasolina.com. You simply type in or find your region and the sites will produce a map, along with a list of the cheapest petrol stations near you.
You can also consult the website Geoportalgasolineras, from the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism.
This online page allows you to research ahead of time so you know where it's cheaper to refuel according to your city or region. It publishes updated prices and also allows you to filter the results by type of fuel.
Apps
Apps such as GasAll and Gasolineras España are also good options, which detail the prices of petrol near you and allow you to compare the price of different types.
The OCU also has a search engine for cheaper places to fill up in your area, available here.
Motoring website Motor Flexi Car has a full list of price comparison apps and websites to find cheaper petrol in Spain, which you can find here.
Spanish vocabulary:
Gasolinera – gas or petrol station
El carburante - fuel (petrol/gas and diesel)
Gasolina – petrol/gas
Diésel – diesel
Gasolina sin plomo – unleaded petrol
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