Save Bigger on Fuel: ADAC's Guide to the Smartest Refueling Times
Cheapest Fuel Prices Revealed by ADAC: When to Fill Up Your Tank for Maximum Savings - Cost savings uncovered: ADAC discloses optimal times for gas station visits to maximize savings
Get the edge on ever-changing fuel prices! According to ADAC's latest analysis, the difference between morning and evening gas prices can add up to a whopping 12.5 cents per liter for Super E10 and 13.3 cents for diesel! That's the biggest price divide for E10 ever recorded by ADAC. Last year, the fluctuation was a mere six to seven cents.
So, as the fuel market expert, Christian Laberer, advises, "Go ahead and ride the waves of daily fuel price changes by refueling smartly!" It's a pocket-friendly move that can save you more than last year.
Night Owls Save More Fuel!
Early birds may miss out on some serious savings. Fuel prices start to climb steeply at 6:00 AM, peaking just after 7:00 AM during rush hour. At this time, diesel costs around 9 cents more than the daily average, while Super E10 is approximately 8 cents pricier. But don't worry; prices drop sharply around 9:00 AM, only resting 2 cents above the daily average. After that, prices creep up slightly, then fluctuate towards the evening low.
By midday, fuel costs are already about 2 cents cheaper than the daily average, and by 4:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 10:00 PM, you can fill up for 4 cents less! The lowest price can be found just before 8:00 PM. After 10:00 PM, prices start to rise again, but remain relatively stable overnight before increasing sharply in the morning.
This year, fuel prices are reaching record highs, with eight typical price peaks daily, matching last year's record. However, individual gas stations might have more, but ADAC's analysis is based on average values.
At the beginning of the year, gas stations experienced an average of 22 price changes per day, with some rare cases surpassing 50 changes! So, catching the exact lowest price in the evening isn't guaranteed, but your chances are pretty good.
- Fuel Type
- Optimal Refueling Time
- Price Difference vs. Daily Average
A Few Thoughts on Current Fuel Prices in Germany:
- Super E10: Currently priced at around €1.68 per liter
- Diesel: Approximately €1.57 per liter
- Super E5: Typically more expensive than Super E10
Factors Impacting Fuel Prices:
- Global Oil Prices: Fluctuations in global oil prices significantly influence fuel costs in Germany.
- Economic Conditions: Economic disputes and geopolitical tensions, such as the ongoing US customs dispute, can impact oil prices and, in turn, German fuel prices.
- Seasonal Demand: Fuel prices tend to climb during peak travel seasons and holidays.
Keep an Eye on the Sky for Savings!
While specific "best times" to refuel aren't provided in ADAC's analysis, some strategies can help you optimize your fuel purchases, like avoiding peak travel seasons and checking for local promotions or discounts. Plus, monitoring ADAC's fuel price comparisons can give you insights into daily price patterns, helping you plan your refueling strategically.
ADAC: Your Fuel Price Advocate
- Promoting Super E10: ADAC advocates for the increased adoption of Super E10 due to its environmental benefits and lower cost compared to Super E5.
- Price Comparisons: ADAC offers regular price comparisons to help drivers identify price drops, potentially guiding them to the best times to buy fuel.
The Commission has also been consulted on the following issues: industry, finance, and energy. Given the rising fuel prices in Germany, it's crucial for experts to provide advice and strategies for smart refueling, such as ADAC’s recommendation to go ahead and ride the waves of daily fuel price changes.
