Fuel in Ireland: Types, Costs & Avoiding Misfuelling

Fuel is a significant cost on any Irish road trip, and understanding the basics will help you budget accurately and avoid expensive mistakes—like putting the wrong fuel in your rental car.

Fuel Types in Ireland

Petrol (Gasoline)

• Called petrol in Ireland (not "gas")
• Pump nozzle is typically green
• Standard grade is 95 octane (E10)
• Premium 98 octane available at most stations

Diesel

• More common in Ireland than many countries
• Pump nozzle is typically black
• Many rental cars are diesel for fuel economy
• Diesel engines are more fuel-efficient but require correct fuel

How to Tell What Your Car Needs

• Check the fuel cap: Usually labelled "Petrol Only" or "Diesel Only"
• Check the rental documents: Fuel type should be specified
• Ask at pickup: Confirm with the rental agent
• Listen to the engine: Diesel sounds different (more "clacky")

Current Fuel Prices

As of 2024, expect approximately:

Prices vary by location:

• Motorway stations: Usually most expensive
• Supermarket stations: Often cheapest (Tesco, Aldi, Lidl)
• Rural areas: Can be higher due to transport costs
• City centres: Middle range

Calculating Trip Fuel Costs

Example Budget

For a week-long trip covering 1,500 km:

Fuel Economy by Vehicle Type

Finding Fuel Stations

In Cities and Towns

Fuel stations are plentiful. You'll find them:

• On approach roads to towns
• Near shopping centres
• At supermarkets (often cheapest)

In Rural Areas

This is where planning matters, especially on routes like:

• Inishowen 100
• Donegal Highlands
• Sheep's Head Peninsula

Rule of thumb: Fill up when you drop below half a tank in rural areas.

Finding Stations

• Google Maps: Search "petrol station" or "fuel"
• Waze: Shows fuel prices along your route
• Pumps.ie: Irish fuel price comparison website

Opening Hours

• 24-hour stations: Common on motorways and in cities
• Rural stations: May close evenings and Sundays
• Pay-at-pump: Available at many stations for card payments after hours

Misfuelling: The Expensive Mistake

Putting the wrong fuel in your car is more common than you'd think. It happens to someone in Ireland every three minutes on average.

Consequences

Petrol in diesel is worse because petrol damages diesel fuel pumps and injectors, potentially requiring full fuel system replacement.

Prevention Tips

1. Check the nozzle colour: Green = petrol, Black = diesel
2. Read the pump label: Clear signage shows fuel type
3. Use a fuel cap sticker: Some rental cars have reminders
4. Don't rush: Take a moment to confirm before filling
5. Same station routine: Use consistent stations if possible

If You Misfuel

DO NOT start the engine. This is critical.

1. Stop immediately if you realise mid-fill
2. Do not turn on the ignition
3. Put the car in neutral and push it away from the pump
4. Call your rental company immediately
5. Contact a misfuel service (widely available)

Starting the engine circulates the wrong fuel through the system, dramatically increasing damage and repair costs.

Misfuel Recovery Services

Several companies offer 24/7 misfuel draining:

• Wrong Fuel Ireland
• Fuel Fixer
• Misfuel Direct

Your rental company may have a preferred provider—ask them first.

Rental Car Fuel Policies

Full-to-Full

• Collect with a full tank
• Return with a full tank
• Best option: Fair and transparent

Full-to-Empty

• Pay for a full tank at inflated prices upfront
• Return empty (no refund for unused fuel)
• Avoid if possible: Usually costs more

Fuel Service Charge

• Company offers to refuel for you
• Significant markup on fuel costs
• Avoid: Fill up yourself before returning

Money-Saving Tips

Supermarket Stations

Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, and SuperValu stations often undercut regular garages by 5-10 cents per litre.

Discount Cards

• Circle K has a loyalty app
• Applegreen offers rewards
• Some credit cards offer cashback on fuel

Driving Efficiently

Small changes add up:

• Maintain steady speeds (80-100 km/h is optimal)
• Avoid aggressive acceleration
• Remove roof boxes when not needed
• Check tyre pressures (under-inflation increases consumption)

Route Planning

• Motorways use less fuel than winding country roads
• But scenic routes are why you're here—balance enjoyment with economy

Fill Up Before Returning

When returning your rental car:

1. Find a station near the airport/depot
2. Fill to full (not overfull—stop at first click)
3. Keep the receipt as proof
4. Note the mileage at fillup

Rental companies charge steep prices to refuel if you return with less than agreed.

Quick Reference

Before You Fill

• Confirm fuel type (petrol or diesel)
• Check nozzle colour matches fuel type
• Note how much fuel you need

At the Pump

• Remove fuel cap and place safely
• Insert nozzle fully before squeezing
• Don't overfill (stop at first click)
• Replace cap securely

After Filling

• Keep receipt
• Check fuel gauge reads correctly
• Note cost for budget tracking

Related Guides

• Car Rental Guide
• Budget Road Trip Tips
• Electric Vehicle Guide