Fuel Prices in Austria Drop Significantly Ahead of Travel Season

Fuel is significantly cheaper than in Austria in the Czech Republic, at 1.45 euros per liter for diesel and 1.59 euros for Super 95, as well as in Slovenia (1.68 euros and 1.58 euros) and in Croatia (1.66 euros and 1.61 euros). Those who are already traveling through these countries on their way to vacation can save considerably along the route or at the destination.

Tips for Route Planning

ARBÖ therefore advises travelers to check the prices in the respective holiday country before departure. „Es macht sich auf jeden Fall bezahlt, vor der Abfahrt die Treibstoffpreise im Urlaubsland zu checken“, the automobile club says. Strategic refueling could pay off given the particularly large price differences between countries this year, according to ARBÖ press spokesman Sebastian Obrecht.

„Strategisches Tanken auf dem Weg ins Feriendomizil lohnt sich angesichts der unterschiedlich hohen Spritpreise in diesem Jahr besonders“, Obrecht advises. At the same time, the club emphasizes that simply bypassing individual gas stations along the route is rarely worthwhile, as the time required and additional fuel consumption can quickly eat up the price advantage. „Dies lohnt sich aufgrund des zusätzlichen Kraftstoffverbrauchs und wegen des höheren Zeitaufwands selten“, the press spokesman continues.

Background: Why Prices Have Fallen

Those who are already driving through cheaper countries should fill up the tank there, according to ARBÖ – both before returning home and before continuing their journey. „Wenn man in einem Staat mit günstigerem Sprit als in Österreich unterwegs ist, zahlt es sich natürlich aus, das Auto vor der Heim- oder Weiterreise noch vollzufüllen“, says Obrecht in conclusion.

In addition to the classic price comparison at the pump, frequent drivers also face the question of whether a fuel card such as the ARBÖ-E-Klubkarte offers additional discounts. In this context, the club points out that club members can expect discounts at partner gas stations in Austria and several neighboring countries, which can further amplify the effect of the currently lower fuel prices.

Overall, the price comparison shows that fuel costs for a typical holiday trip can be noticeably reduced by refueling strategically in the right country – even though time savings on the route should take priority if the price difference compared to home is only small.

For drivers, the current development means a small relief ahead of the travel season: Those still heading off on vacation in July can calculate with fuel prices at the level of early March, but should keep an eye on the differences between countries to get the most out of it.