Costco Petrol Prices — Is the Membership Worth It?
Costco is consistently the cheapest place to buy fuel in the UK. But with only around 20 locations and a £36.50 annual membership required, is it worth it? We break down the numbers.
Costco vs Supermarket Fuel Prices
Costco typically undercuts even the cheapest supermarkets by 3 to 5 pence per litre. Against branded stations like Shell, BP and Esso, the saving can be 8 to 15 pence per litre. This makes Costco by far the cheapest fuel retailer in the UK for those with access to one.
Does the Membership Pay for Itself?
Let's do the maths. The average UK driver covers about 7,400 miles per year, using roughly 840 litres of fuel. At a saving of 5 pence per litre compared to supermarkets:
- 840 litres × 5p = £42 per year in fuel savings
- Membership costs £36.50 per year
- Net saving: roughly £5.50 per year on fuel alone
That is break-even for an average-mileage driver — and the membership also gives you access to Costco's wholesale grocery prices. For higher-mileage drivers, two-car households, or anyone who already shops at Costco, the fuel savings are a significant bonus.
Use our fuel savings calculator to estimate your personal savings based on your mileage and current station.
Costco Fuel Quality
Costco fuel meets the same British Standards as all UK fuel. Their Kirkland Signature fuel includes deposit-control additives similar to branded premium fuels. The fuel comes from the same refineries and distribution network as every other retailer. There is no quality compromise.
The Downsides
- Limited locations — Only around 20 sites across the UK, concentrated near major cities
- Queues — Costco fuel stations are popular and can have long queues, especially at weekends
- Membership required — No membership, no fuel — you cannot use the pumps without a valid card
- Not always convenient — If you have to drive significantly out of your way, the fuel saving may not be worth the extra time and mileage
If there is no Costco near you, supermarkets remain your best option. Check our comparison tool to find the cheapest forecourt in your area, or read our cheapest petrol stations ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cheaper is Costco fuel?
Costco fuel is typically 3 to 5 pence per litre cheaper than supermarkets like Asda and Tesco, and 8 to 15 pence cheaper than branded stations like Shell and BP. The exact difference varies by location and day.
Do I need a Costco membership to buy fuel?
Yes. Costco fuel is only available to members. An Individual membership costs £36.50 per year (2026 prices). You must show your membership card or digital card to use the fuel pumps.
How many Costco petrol stations are there in the UK?
There are approximately 20 Costco warehouses with fuel stations in the UK. They're located near major cities including Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Edinburgh, and several London locations.
Is Costco fuel the same quality as other stations?
Yes. Costco fuel meets the same British Standards as all other UK fuel. It comes from the same refineries and distribution network. Costco also adds its own additive package — Kirkland Signature fuel includes deposit-control additives.
Does the Costco membership pay for itself through fuel savings?
For most regular drivers, yes. If you save 5 pence per litre and fill up 50 litres fortnightly, that's £65 per year in fuel savings alone — more than covering the £36.50 membership. Higher-mileage drivers save even more.
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