Is E5 or E10 Cheaper? Current UK Price Comparison

E10 is usually cheaper than E5 in the UK. E5 can still be the lower-priced option when you compare different nearby forecourts, but that is a local station-price opportunity—not a rule that super unleaded is generally cheaper.

How can E5 cost less than E10?

Compare like for like at one station and its E5 super unleaded will normally cost more than its standard E10. Compare two different stations and the result can reverse: location, operating costs and local competition can make one forecourt substantially cheaper than another across all grades.

The useful question is therefore not “is E5 cheaper nationally?” but “is a suitable E5 pump on my route cheaper than the E10 options I would otherwise use?”. Check the reported time, distance and forecourt price before making a special journey.

E10 and E5 labels explained

The ethanol label and octane rating describe different things. E5 contains no more than 5% ethanol; E10 contains up to 10%. A higher octane number is not a universal quality score and does not guarantee extra power or economy in a vehicle designed for regular petrol.

Check compatibility before choosing

The Department for Transport says all petrol cars built since 2011 are compatible with E10 and that almost all petrol vehicles on the road can use it. Owners of vehicles not listed as compatible should continue to use E5 super unleaded. Check the vehicle handbook or use the official E10 vehicle checker.

Government guidance also says E10-compatible vehicles can mix E5 and E10 safely. That does not override a manufacturer's minimum octane requirement, so follow the handbook if your vehicle requires rather than merely recommends a higher grade.

Will E5's economy offset a higher price?

Usually not when the pump-price gap is large. The government estimates that E10 may reduce fuel economy by around 1% compared with E5, while noting that driving style, tyre pressure and roof racks have a much larger effect. Treat 1% as a broad estimate, not a guaranteed saving for a particular vehicle.

A simple break-even check is to compare the percentage price premium with the possible economy difference. If E5 costs 8% more per litre, an economy change around 1% cannot make it the cheaper fuel per mile. If E5 is already cheaper at a convenient nearby station, no economy assumption is needed to justify the price saving.

Calculate the cash difference

Multiply the pence-per-litre difference by the litres you expect to buy and divide by 100 for the difference in pounds. Then subtract the fuel and time cost of any detour.

How to make the decision

1. Confirm which grades and minimum octane your vehicle permits.
2. Open the E10 price comparison for your postcode or town.
3. Compare nearby E5 prices with E10 stations on the route you will actually take.
4. Check the report time and confirm the grade and price on the pump before filling.
5. Do not drive farther unless the cash saving exceeds the detour cost.

Official guidance and further reading

The compatibility, mixing and economy guidance above comes from the Department for Transport's E10 petrol guidance. For a wider comparison of the grades, read our E10 vs E5 guide.