Spain becomes a low-cost fuel hub for France and Portugal

Spain has emerged as a low-cost fuel hub for neighboring France and Portugal as fuel prices rise due to geopolitical tensions in Iran, instability in the Strait of Hormuz, and attacks on Russian refineries.

Drivers are increasingly crossing borders to take advantage of significant price gaps. In diesel, Spanish prices are 41 cents per liter cheaper than in France and 26 cents cheaper than in Portugal. For 95-octane gasoline, the difference is 30 cents compared to France and 21 cents compared to Portugal. For an average 50-liter tank, this can result in savings of up to €20.50 compared to France.

While official data on the exact number of cross-border travelers is unavailable, gas stations at various border crossings have reported a visible increase in foreign customers for several months. This trend occurs amid warnings from the International Energy Agency regarding a tightening supply of middle distillates in the European market.