Refueling in Belgium: how prices work and when it's beneficial

The Belgian maximum price

In Belgium, a government-set maximum price applies to the main fuels. This maximum price is regularly adjusted based on international product prices. Stations may go below that price, and many unmanned stations and supermarket pumps do so.

The result is that prices in Belgium fluctuate less during the day than in Germany. The difference between an expensive and a cheap station is mainly in the type of station: manned along the motorway or unmanned in a residential area.

Petrol and diesel

Whether Belgium is cheaper than the Netherlands differs per fuel type and per period. It is therefore wise to look per type instead of assuming a rule of thumb. On our page with live diesel prices, we compare current prices per country.

Pay attention to the names at the pump: Euro 95 E10 is often called 'E10' in Belgium, Euro 98 'E5' or '98', and diesel 'B7'.

When is it worth it?

• If you are already driving through Belgium, for example on your way to France, a refueling stop along the route costs almost no extra kilometers.
• If you live close to the border and need a full tank.
• Not if you drive back and forth specifically for a few liters: the detour then costs more than the difference yields.

Tips for the road

• Unmanned stations usually only work with a payment card; keep your card handy.
• Motorway stations are generally more expensive than stations a few kilometers from the exit.
• Plan a stop on long drives through Belgium instead of searching with a nearly empty tank.

With Tankmapper

Tankmapper compares stations in the Netherlands and Belgium along your route with live prices and includes the detour. So you don't just see which station has the lowest liter price, but which station really makes your trip the cheapest.