Supermarket fuel compared: Asda vs Tesco vs Sainsbury's vs Morrisons
How the big four and Costco compare on price and rewards, and whether their fuel is any different.
Supermarkets sell a large share of the UK's road fuel (the Competition and Markets Authority put it at around 45% in 2023), and they price it to get you through the door. That usually means they undercut Shell, BP and Esso nearby. But which one is best?
Key points
- Supermarket fuel meets the same legal standards as branded fuel.
- Asda usually leads on headline price; Tesco and Morrisons rewards can close the gap if you shop there.
- Prices vary by site, so the cheapest supermarket near you may not be the cheapest nationally.
The big four at a glance
| Supermarket | Pricing | Rewards on fuel |
|---|---|---|
| Asda | Often the lowest headline price | Low price instead of points |
| Tesco | Competitive | Clubcard points and fuel offers |
| Sainsbury's | Matches local competition | Nectar points |
| Morrisons | Priced locally | More points and money-off-fuel vouchers |
Asda
Long the price leader among the big four, and often keen even where competition is thin. What you see on the board is what you pay.
Tesco
The biggest supermarket forecourt network. Headline prices are competitive but not always the lowest. Clubcard points and periodic fuel offers linked to your shop can bring the effective price down.
Sainsbury's
Prices tend to follow local competition, so they vary more from site to site. Nectar points on fuel add a small return, boosted by occasional bonus promotions.
Morrisons
Priced locally and sometimes a little above Asda or Tesco. Money-off-fuel vouchers when you spend in store can make it the cheapest option for regular shoppers.
Costco
Often the cheapest fuel in its area, but you need a paid membership and there are only a couple of dozen UK sites, all at warehouses. Expect queues at weekends. If you're a member and live nearby, it's hard to beat.
Is supermarket fuel worse?
No. All petrol and diesel sold in the UK must meet BS EN 228 (petrol) and BS EN 590 (diesel). Supermarkets draw from the same refineries and terminals as the big brands. Branded premium fuels such as Shell V-Power and BP Ultimate add their own additives; supermarket premium grades, such as Tesco Momentum 99, do the same for less.
Premium fuel only benefits engines designed for higher octane. For most cars, standard E10 or B7 diesel is all you need. See E10 vs E5 explained.
Getting the best price
- Compare live prices at every supermarket near you before setting off.
- Stack rewards: use Clubcard, Nectar or More with in-store fuel offers.
- Check the next town: supermarket prices vary by site.
- Count the detour: a station 10 miles away has to be much cheaper to be worth it. Tanki's Best value sort (Pro) does the maths for you.
The bottom line
Supermarket fuel is the same quality as branded fuel and usually cheaper. Asda tends to lead on headline price, Tesco and Morrisons reward regular shoppers, and Costco beats them all if you're a member. Stop guessing: compare petrol or diesel near you.
Questions
Is supermarket fuel lower quality?
No. All UK petrol and diesel must meet the same standards (BS EN 228 and BS EN 590), and supermarkets draw from the same supply as the big brands.
Which supermarket has the cheapest fuel?
Asda has long had a reputation for the lowest pump prices, and Costco is often cheaper still for members. Prices vary by site, so compare locally.