Is supermarket fuel any good?
Published on 2026-06-08
Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons usually post the lowest prices in the area. The big question: is the fuel as good as Shell, BP or Esso?
Is supermarket fuel worse?
No. All petrol and diesel sold in the UK must meet the same British/European standards (BS EN 228 for petrol, BS EN 590 for diesel), whatever the brand. Supermarkets often draw from the same terminals and refineries as the big names.
The main difference is the premium additives in branded super grades, plus service. The base fuel meets the same spec.
Why are they cheaper?
High volume, tight margins and fuel used as a footfall driver for the store. Those savings land at the pump.
How much can you save?
Versus a premium-branded forecourt, supermarket fuel can be 5-15p/L cheaper. On a 50-litre fill that's roughly £2.50-£7.50 each time.
FAQ
Does supermarket fuel harm your engine?
No. It meets the same quality standard as branded fuel. The difference is premium additives and service, not the base fuel.
Is branded 'super' fuel worth it?
Only if your car specifically asks for higher octane, or as an occasional cleaning run. For everyday driving, standard fuel is fine.
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