Katerina Swanson
Diesel fuel is widely available in France, with some sources stating that diesel cars are more common than gasoline-powered cars. Diesel is called diesel, gazole, or gasoil and is available at all service stations. The pumps are colour-coded, with diesel pumps being orange or yellow, unleaded being green, and 4-star being red. The cost of diesel fuel in France has risen in recent years, but it is still cheaper than in the UK. The cheapest sources of diesel are usually hyper/supermarkets, while rural petrol stations are the most expensive.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diesel fuel availability | Widely available at all service stations |
| Diesel car availability | Diesel cars are common in Europe and France specifically |
| Fuel prices | Fuel prices vary across France, with hyper/supermarkets being the cheapest and rural petrol stations the most expensive |
| Payment methods | Credit/debit card, chip and pin, and cash |
| Fuel pump colours | Diesel pumps are typically orange or yellow, unleaded pumps are green, and 4-star pumps are red |
| Fuel types | Diesel, unleaded, 4-star, LPG, and premium diesel |
| Additional services | Many petrol stations offer car washes, vacuum cleaners, air pumps, and shops |
| Fuel information sources | Prix-Carburants.gouv.fr provides information on petrol and diesel prices across France |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel is available at all service stations in France
Diesel fuel is readily available at all service stations in France. Diesel fuel is called "diesel", "gazole", or "gasoil" and is pronounced "gazwal" in French. Diesel pumps are typically yellow or black, and the fuel is labelled as "diesel", "gazole", or "gasoil".
In France, diesel fuel is just as easy to find as gasoline. In fact, diesel is more popular in Europe than in the US, and about 75% of passenger miles in France are fuelled by diesel. Diesel cars in France also consume less fuel per 100 kilometres than gasoline-powered cars, making them a more fuel-efficient option.
Most petrol stations in France offer both self-pay and attendant-operated lanes. Self-pay lanes accept credit or debit card payments, while attendant-operated lanes allow you to fill up first and then drive to the payment booth. Many petrol stations also provide additional services such as car washes, vacuum cleaners, air pumps, and small shops selling snacks, drinks, and motoring accessories.
To find the best diesel prices in your area, you can refer to the French government website, Prix-Carburants.gouv.fr, which provides information on petrol and diesel prices across France. Additionally, petrol stations within 10 kilometres of a motorway are allowed to advertise their prices, making it easier for travellers to locate inexpensive fuel options.
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Diesel pumps in France are usually yellow or black
If you're driving in France and are looking for diesel, it's important to know that diesel pumps are usually yellow or black. While this may be the standard colour scheme, it's always good to double-check by reading the labels on the pumps as well. This is because, in France, diesel may also be labelled as "Gas Oil", "Gazole", or "Diesel".
In France, diesel pumps have larger nozzles than those for petrol/gasoline, which are green and labelled "Essence". The larger nozzle of the diesel pump means it will not fit into the filler of a petrol car, helping to prevent misfuelling.
It's worth noting that some fuel companies in France sell "premium" diesel, which is marketed as a higher-performance fuel but may not add much to your vehicle's performance. This "premium" diesel is often sold at a distinctly higher price than standard diesel, so it pays to be cautious and read the descriptions before filling up.
To find the best diesel prices in France, you can use the government website Prix-Carburants.gouv.fr, which provides information on fuel prices in all areas of the country. This can help you locate the most cost-effective places to fill up during your travels in France.
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Diesel fuel is cheaper in France than in the UK
Diesel fuel is easily accessible in France, with most petrol stations offering between three and five fuel options. While the UK and France have historically had similar fuel prices, diesel in France is currently cheaper than in the UK.
As of 2023, the UK has the highest rate of duty on diesel in Europe, alongside Italy. France's duty rate is only slightly lower than the UK, but its average price for diesel is 9p less per litre. This discrepancy may be due to different market dynamics and economies of scale in diesel distribution. Additionally, France has substantial environmental levies and taxes aimed at promoting cleaner energy use, which could contribute to the price difference.
The price of diesel in France and the UK is influenced by various factors, including the raw material cost, which is influenced by international crude oil prices and refining costs. Other factors include distribution costs, margins, and taxes. The UK maintains high fuel duty rates, reflecting its commitment to reducing carbon emissions through taxation.
It is worth noting that within the UK, Northern Ireland has lower diesel prices due to greater competition in the absence of supermarket dominance. Additionally, the myRAC app can be useful for finding the cheapest fuel prices in the UK.
In summary, diesel fuel is currently cheaper in France than in the UK, and this difference may be due to a combination of market dynamics, distribution costs, and environmental taxation approaches.
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Diesel cars are more fuel-efficient than petrol cars
Diesel engines are particularly well-suited to those who drive long distances, especially on highways, as they are more fuel-efficient on these roads than gasoline engines. Diesel cars have more torque, which results in better fuel economy and acceleration. They are also better for towing caravans and trailers, as they do not need to be worked as hard to accelerate.
However, there are some disadvantages to diesel engines. They tend to be heavier, more expensive, and slower to accelerate due to their lower maximum RPM ranges. Diesel engines also require fuel injection, which has historically been expensive and less reliable. Additionally, diesel fuel is less readily available than gasoline, and some types of diesel fuel, like black diesel and biodiesel, can negatively impact vehicle performance.
In terms of availability in France, diesel fuel can be found at most petrol stations, which are called 'stations-service' or 'stations essence'. These stations usually offer self-pay lanes with credit or debit card machines, as well as attendant-operated lanes. Diesel fuel will be clearly marked and is typically orange or yellow. While diesel used to be cheaper in France than in the UK, as of 2013, it is only slightly cheaper.
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LPG is another fuel option available at some French petrol stations
LPG, or Liquefied Petroleum Gas, is another fuel option available at some French petrol stations. It has been an increasingly popular choice in France as an alternative fuel since the first LPG station opened to the public in Paris in 1979. The use of LPG was actively promoted by the French government in the 1980s and 1990s through incentives aimed at reducing pollution in urban areas.
However, finding LPG pumps in France can be challenging. Some service stations advertise LPG but don't have any fuel in stock, while others may have pumps that are out of order. Additionally, some stations require pre-payment for LPG, which can be difficult as you need to know how much you will put in beforehand. Furthermore, certain stations, such as Esso, have banned the filling of LPG for camping cars due to safety concerns.
Despite these limitations, the network of LPG stations in France is expanding. By 2025, the number of stations is expected to reach 3,000, with a particular focus on expanding the network along major motorways and national roads. This growth aligns with the French government's goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner fuels.
One key player in the LPG market in France is Primagaz, which focuses on offering LPG at stations located in rural areas and small towns. They have projects underway to expand their network in the Occitanie region, improving access to LPG in less urbanized areas.
When looking for LPG fuel in France, it is recommended to call ahead to any station to check availability and avoid potential issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, diesel fuel is available at all service stations in France.
Diesel fuel is called "diesel", "gazole" or "gasoil" in France.
The pumps for diesel fuel in France are usually yellow or black.
