Why is fuel more expensive on the national highway?
Regular drivers on Greece’s national highways have surely noticed that fuel prices at highway service stations are noticeably higher than those at urban gas stations—an observation that is far from coincidental.
Fuel costs represent a significant expense for the average household budget, particularly during holiday periods. Many car owners choose to fill up before starting a trip—not necessarily because they trust their usual gas station, but because fuel on the highway remains more expensive compared to stations within cities or even on provincial roads. While the price difference per liter may seem minor, it translates into a considerable extra cost at each refueling.
According to data from the Ministry of Development and Competitiveness, the average price of 95-octane unleaded fuel in Greece stands at around €1.77 per liter (as of April 11, 2025), with some areas offering even lower prices—approximately €1.72/liter. However, in large stretches of the national highway network, prices reach or even exceed €1.86/liter.
Indicatively:
On the Corinth–Kalamata highway, one station lists 95-octane unleaded at €1.856/liter.
On the Athens–Patras highway, the price is €1.848/liter.
On the Athens–Corinth and Athens–Thessaloniki routes, fuel at locations such as Almyros and Larissa costs €1.869/liter.
The main reasons for this price discrepancy are tied to the higher operational costs faced by highway gas stations. These businesses must pay substantially higher fees for the use of roadside facilities, including much higher rents compared to urban stations.
Additionally, transportation costs are elevated, both due to longer distances and the need for continuous resupply to meet the high demand from passing motorists.
Another key factor is the limited choice available to drivers. On a highway journey, when the fuel gauge nears empty, drivers have few alternatives, allowing highway stations to set prices with little real competition.
While one could theoretically exit the highway to find cheaper fuel in a nearby town or village, the potential savings might be canceled out by increased fuel consumption and lost time.
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