- Turkey has the lowest prices for gasoline and diesel.
- Greece has the highest pump costs, about 120 EUR gasoline and 100.5 EUR diesel.
- Serbia and Bulgaria offer cheaper options than Romania, boosting travel savings.
- A 50-liter gasoline tank costs 76.5-120 EUR; diesel 77.5-100.5 EUR.
Summer 2022 brings new challenges for fuel costs, and Romania isn’t the only country feeling the price pressures. If you’re planning a road trip across neighboring countries, it’s essential to know the pump price differences to optimize your travel budget. Prices vary significantly from one country to another, and careful planning can translate into substantial savings.
Fuel price landscape in our region
Most European countries face elevated fuel prices, but the magnitude of the increases varies considerably. The current geopolitical and economic backdrop has driven important fluctuations, and depending on your destination, you can pay tens of euros more or less for a full tank.
While some neighboring countries offer more affordable prices than Romania, others—though popular tourist destinations—have significantly higher pump costs.
Prices per liter: litre-by-litre comparison
Here is a detailed analysis of price per liter in the region’s main vacation destinations:
Gasoline (EUR per liter)
- Turkey: 1.53 EUR - the most affordable price in the region
- Bulgaria: 1.65 EUR - an economical option
- Serbia: 1.68 EUR - competitive prices
- Romania: 1.74 EUR - average for the region
- Greece: 2.40 EUR - the most expensive in the area
Diesel (EUR per liter)
- Turkey: 1.55 EUR - leader in affordability
- Bulgaria: 1.69 EUR - advantageous option
- Serbia: 1.78 EUR - competitive price
- Romania: 1.86 EUR - above regional average
- Greece: 2.01 EUR - high prices
Cost of a full tank: calculate your budget
For a clearer picture of fuel costs, here are estimates for a 50-liter tank:
Gasoline (full tank 50 liters)
- Turkey: 76.5 EUR
- Bulgaria: 82.5 EUR
- Serbia: 84 EUR
- Romania: 87 EUR
- Greece: 120 EUR
Diesel (full tank 50 liters)
- Turkey: 77.5 EUR
- Bulgaria: 84.5 EUR
- Serbia: 89 EUR
- Romania: 93 EUR
- Greece: 100.5 EUR
Significant differences between destinations
Serbia and Bulgaria: economical alternatives
These two neighboring countries offer prices more favorable than Romania, making them attractive destinations not only for tourism but also for transport costs. Differences may seem small per liter but accumulate over a long journey.
Greece: a high-cost destination
Although Greece remains a popular destination among Romanians for summer holidays, pump costs are considerably higher. Recently, the difference for a full tank compared with Romania reached approximately 30 EUR — an important aspect to consider in the vacation budget.
Turkey: the champion of affordable prices
With the lowest price in the region for both gasoline and diesel, Turkey represents the most economical option for refueling. The difference compared to Greece can reach up to 40–45 EUR for a full tank, a significant saving for a long trip.
Tips for optimizing fuel costs
Plan your route strategically
If you’re heading to Greece, consider refueling as much as possible in Romania or Bulgaria before crossing the border. For trips to Turkey, you can take advantage of favorable prices once you reach the destination.
Monitor price apps
Use mobile apps that display real-time prices at different gas stations. Prices can vary even between stations in the same town.
Calculate consumption for the entire trip
Before departure, estimate your car’s total consumption for the distance to be traveled and multiply by the average price in the countries you’ll pass through. This will give you a clear picture of the expenses.
Important notes and cautions
Prices shown are indicative and refer to summer 2022. They may change day by day due to:
- Fluctuations in the international oil market
- Fiscal policies of each country
- Exchange rates
- Seasonality of demand (peak tourist period)
It is recommended to check current prices before departure and consult official sources for updated information.
Conclusion
Understanding fuel prices across neighboring countries can significantly optimize your holiday budget. Differences can be substantial—from around 76.5 EUR for a full tank in Turkey to about 120 EUR in Greece for gasoline. Careful fueling planning and choosing the right route can save you tens or even hundreds of euros over the course of the vacation, funds that can be redirected toward other enjoyable experiences.
