Morning fuel costs nearly double the evening price
Gas Prices Skyrocket: ADAC Analysis Reveals Startling Differences Between Morning and Evening Fills
Fuel up late, sa-vo-ry your wallet! According to ADAC, the infamous German motoring club, evening gas prices have been dropping below morning prices by a whopping amount. Just 12 months ago, the difference for Super E10 and diesel was a mere 6.4 cents and 7.3 cents respectively. But hold on tighter, as today we're seeing that gap nearly DOUBLE with average daily price differences of 12.5 cents for Super E10 and 13.3 cents for diesel!
Last year's record high daily difference for gasoline was just 11 cents, a figure that's been obliterated this year. Meanwhile, the record diesel price difference of 16 cents was seen in 2022, following the devastating attack on Ukraine by Russia (yeah, you know... that little ol' war).
ADAC crunched the numbers from over 14,000 gas stations across Germany - no small feat! So, when's the best time to fill 'er up? The club recommends hitting the pumps between 19:00 and 20:00, and also during the slightly less peak times between 17:00 and 18:00, and 21:00 and 22:00. On the flip side, avoid the pump shortly after 7:00 AM, when fuel prices skyrocket for a full hour. Prices then drop gradually in seven waves throughout the day, only to start creeping up again at around 23:00, maintaining this trend well into the early morning hours.
By staying informed about these price fluctuations, you can save a blimmin' six euros on every 50-liter gas fill-up! ADAC's advice applies to the majority of Germany's 14,000-plus gas stations. And hey, don't forget, choosing the cheapest station will also save you a pretty penny.
So there you have it - timing is everything when it comes to your gas fill-ups! But remember, these recommendations are based on ADAC analysis, so be sure to keep an eye on the fuel market and make adjustments as necessary.
Sources: ntv.de, AFP.
Insights:
- Fuel pricing in Germany is regulated by the Market Transparency Unit for Fuels at the Federal Cartel Office, requiring petrol stations to report price changes within five minutes.
- Common gasoline fuels in Germany include Super E5 and Super E10, and as of April 2025, Super E10 was priced at €1.68 per liter, while diesel was at €1.57 per liter.
- Fuel apps in Germany offer real-time price comparisons and can facilitate mobile payments, but don't inherently suggest specific times for filling up based on ADAC analysis.
- ADAC heavily advocates for increased adoption of Super E10 fuel in Germany, emphasizing its environmental benefits and lower cost compared to Super E5.
- The most favorable times to fill up often depend on various factors, including market volatility, demand, and station-specific pricing strategies. Filling up in the morning or late in the evening may offer the best prices, but this can vary based on location and market conditions.
The following information is provided for each of the following categories of vehicles: industry, finance, energy, and personal-finance. By timing your gas fill-ups strategically between 19:00 and 20:00 (or slightly less peak times between 17:00 and 18:00, and 21:00 and 22:00), you can save up to six euros on every 50-liter gas fill-up, according to ADAC's analysis of over 14,000 gas stations across Germany. This is crucial for personal-finance management, as it allows for significant savings on fuel expenses.
