Why is it so expensive to fuel up?
Fuel – gasoline, petrol and diesel -- is an expensive monthly bill for many. Norway typically has some of the highest fuel prices in Europe. The at-times sky high prices are mainly due to taxes on fuel imposed by the government, as well as international market factors.
Currently, the conflict in the Middle East has caused global oil prices to surge, with petrol and diesel prices in Norway hitting a record 26 kroner per litre this week.
We have gathered the most up-to-date tips to help you save money on your fuel bill.
READ MORE: Fuel prices surge in Norway as petrol passes 26 kroner per litre.
Does it matter which day you fuel up?
Historically, Sunday evenings and early Monday mornings were the best times to fill your tank in Norway.
However, for most drivers in 2026, this predictable cycle is a thing of the past. The Norwegian Competition Authority (Konkurransetilsynet) now says the market has become much more unpredictable.
With this dynamic pricing model, fuel stations raise prices several times a week, sometimes within just a few hours. After each increase, prices drop slowly every hour until the next jump. Because these spikes now happen on different days, you can’t just check the calendar to find the best price.
In 2026, the best approach is to pay attention to the time of day rather than the day itself. Try to fill up late at night or early in the morning, just before prices go up around midday.
A good rule is to avoid Sunday, Monday and Friday afternoons. Stations often raise prices then because of commuters and people heading to their cabins for the weekend.
Where can I find cheap petrol prices online?
Hunting for the cheapest fuel prices in Norway is quite common. It’s also a normal discussion to have with your neighbours and colleagues. So don’t be worried about appearing ‘cheap’ if you want to talk about the high price of fuel. Or share which local petrol stations you have noticed to be less expensive.
DrivstoffAppen is an app designed to compare prices of petrol stations you will drive by on your journey so you can plan ahead to get the cheapest fuel. You can find more information and download it here.
The app is collaborative. People share photos and confirm the prices they find, and you can earn points for your participation.
You can also save money by looking for a queue of cars at a petrol station. Yes, it may be just busy. But oftentimes, a queue is a signal for cheaper petrol prices.
Memberships and credit cards can save you money on fuel
If you’re in the market for a credit card, look for one that might save you money on fuel. Some credit cards will give you good discount options at all petrol stations.
If you have a particular station you always fill up at, you can sign up for the company’s credit card to receive discounts on fuel.
There are also benefits to be had if you sign up for a drivstoffkort or “fuel card”.
A drivstoffkort is a special credit card which you use to pay when refuelling your vehicle. The cards generally only work at the stations run by the company to which the card belongs. Different deals and types of card are available, depending on the company.
Specific deals on credit card and drivstoffkort discounts can be found (in Norwegian) here.
You can sometimes use membership cards with grocery stores or real estate organisations to give you discounts on fuel.
For example, the Coop Medlemskort will save you 45 øre when filling up at Circle K and YX petrol stations.
The Trumf card, which is associated with the chains Kiwi, Meny, Joker and Spar, allows you to earn a bonus of up to 40 øre per litre when refuelling at Esso stations.
Frequent drivers can also join Circle K Extra, a loyalty programme that provides per-litre fuel discounts and occasional rewards such as free coffee or car washes, all managed through their app.
If you are a member of NAF (the automobile association) or OBOS (the housing association), you can save by linking your account to the Circle K EXTRA app. NAF members get a 45 øre per litre discount and half-price car washes, while OBOS members get a 38 øre rebate.
Where can I get the lowest priced petrol?
Petrol stations in Norway are extremely competitive. There is no one company that is known to sell gasoline or diesel cheaper than the others.
Like many other goods, fuel prices around Norway will rise and fall with demand. Typically, fuel stations located in mountainous towns or areas that heavily rely on tourism will have more expensive fuel.
If you’re on holiday in such a town or area, and can wait to fuel up when you get to a more trafficked motorway, it will likely save you money.
Petrol stations that don’t have employees on location tend to be slower at increasing their prices to match the competition. So if you know you’ll be passing by an ubemannet or “unstaffed” petrol station on your trip, it may be cost-effective to wait and fill up there.
These stations can be Uno-X or St1.
Try to fill up where there are several stations nearby. Competition between them usually means lower prices.
More tips
Small habits can help you save even more.
Many drivers in Norway keep their roof boxes on all year, but this adds wind resistance and can use up to 15 percent more fuel. If you are not going skiing soon, take the box off to save money.
Also, check your tyre pressure as the weather changes in March. Low tyre pressure makes your car less efficient and costs you more in fuel.
Consider how much time you want to invest
Joining the hunt for cheaper fuel may not be for everyone. It is time consuming, and admittedly hard to achieve due to the ever-changing prices. If you are not dependent on your vehicle for your daily commute and don’t often drive long distances, fueling up at your local petrol f station may be the best choice.
READ MORE: Scandinavian airlines introduce 'temporary' fuel fees due to oil price
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