Fuel Prices

The BBC provides a nifty comparison, which outlines the local price in comparison to other countries around the world. As can be derived from the data provided, Czech Republic’s fuel prices are actually lower than that of much of Western Europe and not too much higher than those of Eastern Europe. However, relative to the average salary, the purchasing power for fuel is much lower than that of Austria, Germany, and other European countries. There is also significant variance in the price locally within the Czech Republic. For a nice overview, region by region and city by city from CSS, check this link.

So, where exactly does the Czech Republic stand in terms of quality of fuel? The true answer is that it is not bad at all. The testing is often quite rigorous and is stipulated by law. There are undoubtedly numerous cases each year of gas stations providing low quality or non-standard fuels – as is the case in most countries. This is often highly dependent on the norms that have been set that vary across countries. Some are more stringent, while others are less so. With the goal of producing more eco-friendly fuels, new requirements have been implemented and industry standards amended to reflect it.

In the Czech Republic, the ČOI (Česká obchodní inspekce – Czech Trade Inspection Authority) is responsible for monitoring and testing fuel distribution places including gas stations. Tests are required and stipulated by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (directive # 229/2004 Sb.), which sets the required quality standards for all fuels intended for travel on the ground. The tests have become increasingly strict and have been amended numerous times in the last couple of years. One of the commonly found problems in current fuels includes a higher-than-allowed concentration of sulfur (currently at a maximum of 12mg/kg) – a by-product and impurity that can be damaging for an engine in the longer term.

It is a fact that larger distributors falling under the umbrella of the Czech Association of Petroleum Industry and
Trade (ČAPPO) have been significantly less likely (circa 3%) to provide lower quality fuels, while smaller distributors were approximately 4 times more likely to have problems with their fuel. As such, it is therefore better to stick with renowned gas station companies that are more likely to adhere to the standards and use suppliers that are more inclined to closely monitor the quality of their fuel.

Safety at gas stations is something that may be considered to be questionable when compared to, for example, the UK. It is not too uncommon to notice people smoking in the very near proximity of gas stations or to be using mobiles while refueling the car. While the real likelihood of an accident involving mobiles is questionable (a fall would have result in a spark and the fumes would have to be concentrated), cigarettes pose a more realistic danger in case of a leak or a dangerously high concentration of fumes.