Fuel Costs Vary Widely Across Czech Republic, Highway Pumps Most Expensive
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC – Czech motorists are facing meaningful price discrepancies at the pump, with differences reaching up to ten crowns per liter depending on location and service offerings, according to recent analysis. While fuel prices are generally higher at multinational chains like MOL due to operating and investment costs, highway gas stations consistently charge the most, capitalizing on limited consumer choice.
The price of fuel isn’t solely resolute by the commodity itself. Gas stations are increasingly offering a range of additional services – from food and drugstores to gift goods and medicines - impacting overall costs. “Along with customary and alternative fuels and drives, customers at our petrol stations will find a wide range of foods, drugstores, gift goods and medicines,” a representative stated.
Smaller, simpler stations often offer cheaper fuel but lack these amenities. “While some pumps can be lunch well, the tank ono are additional services limited. It’s stations often work in simpler mode, without investing in shops and bisters,” explained analyst Jiří Lajsk.
Highway stations are particularly expensive due to high rent and fees for their strategic locations, and also increased staff and service costs. Sellers also leverage the limited options available to drivers on major routes. “At the same time, sellers also use that drivers on the highway have a limited choice and draw fuel rather than a need for price comparison, and so often prices,” Lajsk added.
This trend isn’t unique to the Czech Republic, mirroring a pattern seen across Europe, including even greater price variations in Austria. Drivers on the D5 motorway,for example,frequently detour to the tank ono station in Nýřany for substantially cheaper gasoline or diesel,despite consistently long queues.
The situation comes as OPEC recently agreed to increase oil production, a move that may eventually influence prices at the pump.
