Refuelling
Self-service or attended: how to compare fuel prices
Compare the same fuel and service type on the MIMIT price monitor, then check the displayed price before filling up.
To compare self-service and attended fuel prices, check the same fuel at the same time and compare the displayed price per litre. MIMIT’s fuel price monitor collects prices reported by operators by fuel type and sales method, prioritising self-service where available.
Compare like with like
First choose the right fuel for your vehicle, then compare stations nearby or along your route. The price monitor lets you view different service types, such as self-service and attended, as well as different products. Do not compare a self-service price with an attended price without accounting for the difference in service.
Check the price per litre, the date it was updated and the station’s location. A motorway service station may charge a different price from one in town, and the comparison alone does not account for detours, traffic or available facilities. Use MIMIT’s search or official app to find stations, then check the pump price display.
Work out the total cost, not just the unit price
The difference per litre matters in relation to how much fuel you buy. If you only need a small amount, a long detour could wipe out the saving; take into account distance, time, traffic and the fuel used to reach the station. There is no need to fill the tank beyond the manufacturer’s recommendation.
The prices shown online come from data reported by operators and may not be updated in real time or match the service type you intend to use. Check the sign and pump display before authorising payment. If you notice a significant difference, ask the operator for an explanation and use the ministry service’s support channels.
Choose the right service type
At a self-service pump, you operate the pump yourself and must follow the station’s instructions and safety rules. At an attended pump, staff dispense the fuel and the price may include the service. Check opening times, as some stations offer attended service only during certain hours.
Before comparing prices, make sure the fuel is compatible with your car. A low price does not make up for using the wrong fuel or choosing a service type you do not know how to use. If the station is out of service, the terminal declines payment or the price is unclear, stop and ask a member of staff.
Quiz Patente Ufficiale lets you revise the rules through chapter-by-chapter study, practice tests and a review of your mistakes, without tracking fuel prices.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find up-to-date fuel prices?
MIMIT provides a fuel price monitor with station searches and prices reported by operators by fuel type and service method. Check the station display before buying.
Is self-service always cheaper than attended service?
Do not assume a fixed difference. Compare the displayed prices for the same product at the same station; service options and opening hours vary by operator.