Petrol and Diesel Prices in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia on 31 July

Spanish drivers filling up on Friday 31 July face significant price gaps depending on where they stop. In Madrid, a litre of Petrol 95 E5 costs between €1.48 and €1.89, while Diesel A ranges from €1.60 to €1.99. That means a 50-litre fill-up can vary by more than €20 depending on the station.

In Barcelona, petrol 95 E5 is slightly cheaper on the low end, with prices from €1.42 to €1.82 per litre. Diesel A spans €1.56 to €1.945. Valencia shows a similar picture: petrol between €1.49 and €1.80, and diesel from €1.53 to €1.93.

These intra-city spreads are driven mainly by station location, brand, and operating margins, but the underlying national price floor rests on four major forces: the global price of Brent crude, the euro-dollar exchange rate (because oil is traded in dollars), Spanish fuel taxes – which make up roughly half the final pump price – and distribution costs along the supply chain.

Why Pump Prices Vary So Much Across Spanish Cities

Global Oil Markets Set the Floor

The single biggest cost component is the barrel of Brent crude oil. Demand swings, geopolitical tensions, and output decisions by OPEC+ directly feed through to Spain’s forecourts with a lag of a few weeks. Any upward move in the crude price narrows the room for discounting by retailers.

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Taxes and the Exchange Rate Amplify the Shifts

In Spain, around 50% of the pump price is tax – a 21% VAT and a special hydrocarbons duty. Because crude is priced in dollars, a weakening euro makes imports more expensive, which pushes up prices for all stations, regardless of their marketing strategy. Conversely, a stronger euro can offer some relief.

Where the Real Savings Are Found

While macro factors are beyond a driver’s control, the wide price dispersion within each city shows that choosing a filling station carefully has an immediate and meaningful impact. The difference between the cheapest and most expensive petrol in Madrid is €0.41 per litre, so the savings are not trivial.

How to Shrink Your Fuel Spend This Weekend

  • Check the station before you go. In Madrid, picking the cheapest 95 E5 petrol saves €0.41 per litre – that’s over €20 on a full tank. Use a fuel price comparison app or website to locate the low-cost pumps near your route.
  • Drive smoothly. Maintaining a steady speed, using higher gears early, and avoiding sharp acceleration or braking can cut fuel consumption by 10–15% in mixed driving.
  • Keep your car in shape. Properly inflated tyres and a well-maintained engine reduce rolling resistance and friction, directly improving fuel efficiency.
  • Consider a more efficient vehicle. If fuel price swings strain your budget, switching to a hybrid or fully electric car – even through a rental or subscription model – removes the direct exposure to petrol and diesel volatility.