Good news for drivers of combustion vehicles: For the first time in seven weeks, refueling has become slightly cheaper compared to the previous week. This is shown by the latest ADAC analysis of fuel prices in Germany. Compared to the previous week with the reference date of January 21, 2025, the diesel price has fallen particularly sharply: Currently, an average of 1.678 euros per liter is paid, which is 2.1 cents less.
The nationwide average price for a liter of Super E10 is currently 1.739 euros, a decrease of 0.7 cents compared to the past week. This simultaneously increases the price difference between the two types of fuel from the previous 4.7 to 6.1 cents per liter. A seven-week trend comes to an end for now: Since December 10, 2024, fuel prices had continuously risen sharply compared to each respective previous week.
Crude Oil Prices Decline
According to the German Automobile Club, the reason for the current relief at the pumps lies in the lower crude oil prices. The price for a barrel of Brent crude is currently around 76 US dollars – more than two dollars less than the previous week. It is also beneficial that the euro is holding well at a current rate of 1.04 US dollars.
Overall, the past year 2024 was encouraging with regards to refueling, according to ADAC, compared to the previous year - despite initially relatively high prices. The average price for diesel was 1.649 euros, and for Super E10 it was 1.739 euros per liter. This amounts to approximately seven cents less for diesel and five cents less for gasoline than in 2023. As a result, the auto club rates the year 2024 as the third most expensive year after the "record years 2022 and 2023".
Incidentally, September was the cheapest month for both fuel types, with an average price of 1.650 euros for Super E10 and 1.544 euros for diesel. March was the most expensive for Super E10, with prices reaching 1.851 euros. For diesel, February was the most expensive month at 1.746 euros.
Better to refuel in the evening - within a specific time window
Germany's largest automobile club also provides advice for refueling as cost-effectively as possible: attention should be paid to the price differences throughout the day, it says. And according to an analysis of fuel prices in May, the cheapest prices are expected between 7 and 8 PM and between 9 and 10 PM. Early birds should avoid refueling in the morning: shortly after 7 AM, gasoline costs an average of 6.4 cents more; for diesel, costs can rise by an average of 7.3 cents at this time.
Furthermore, it is helpful, say the automotive experts, not to always head to the first available gas station: it is also advisable to compare several here. "The price differences between gas stations can be up to 7 cents per liter." Additionally, one must expect significantly higher prices when compared to highway gas stations.
Another saving tip, at least for more recent vehicles, is to avoid the more expensive E5, as generally all petrol cars produced after November 2010 can also use Super E10: after all, this results in an average saving of 5 to 6 cents.
ADAC members or holders of the ADAC credit card can also take advantage of further savings opportunities.
