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Motorists have supermarket petrol myths busted in expert's verdict on quality and price

EXCLUSIVE: Drivers often question where to fill their car up, but an expert has revealed the secret behind supermarket petrol and diesel in an exclusive for the Daily Star

supermarket petrol debate
Drivers worry about the quality of supermarket petrol (stock)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

For years the debate on which petrol brand to choose has been rife between drivers. Some prefer to source from independent garages, which they claim to be more "pure." However, some pocket-watching motorists prefer to source theirs from supermarkets, which appear to be a lot cheaper.

The petrol station you choose can also have a huge impact on how much you're spending. According to reports, supermarket stations are thought to be cheaper than independent garages. At the end of November, a litre of petrol bought at one of the big four supermarkets cost 133.2p, 3.3p cheaper than the UK average, while diesel was 138.6p, 3.6p less than the average price paid on UK forecourts, the RAC reported.


However, there is plenty of debate about the quality of petrol and diesel between sources. But one expert weighed in their opinion and claimed the worry of "additives" is not what you'd think.

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supermarket petrol debate
Some drivers prefer supermarket petrol (stock)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
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Stuart Gallagher, editor in chief of EVO told the Daily Star: There have been plenty of myths over the years regarding the quality of the fuel drivers buy from a supermarket compared to fuel purchased from a branded supplier.


"The reality is that all fuel sold in the UK is supplied from the same six oil refineries, the only difference is the type and strength of the additives that are added at the pump, with premium brands using more advanced formulas that can help clean your engine and make it more efficient.

"With supermarkets often using fuel as a loss leader, the volume they sell also means their fuel is some of the ‘freshest’ in the market. ” A loss leader is a pricing strategy where a product or service is sold below cost to attract customers.


supermarket petrol debate
It's said to be cheaper to buy petrol from supermarkets(Image: Getty Images)
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Experts reassure that there is a certain standard which petrol must meet to be able to be put up for sale in this country. While there is a debate about additives, Stuart reassures that these are more present in the independent garages, but are simply added to improve engine performance.

Premium fuels have a higher octane rating than other fuels offered at the pumps. This means that the fuel is harder to ignite, requiring greater compression than lower octane fuels.

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However, experts say this varies from car to car. To find out which fuel suits your motor, they recommend you check your vehicles hand book.

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