Gasoline, the only respite for the wallet, maintained its price last year

This is what emerges from the latest information bulletin on fuel distribution at service stations published by the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC). The document, which includes the figures for the month of October, as well as its annual evolution, emphasizes that that month, the average for 95 gasoline was 1.48 euros per literwhereas 12 months ago, it was in €1.51/L. This is a symbolic drop, but above all it reflects that prices have remained stable in a context of generalized inflation close to 3%.

The diesel situation is mimetic. According to the regulator’s report, in October, an average of 1.41 euros per literwhich represents a slight reduction compared to the average a year ago when it was in 1.42 €/L. Although the decline was more pronounced in the central months of 2025, the consolation – once again – is that there was virtually no variation.

However, all these figures linked to the price of fuel are very marked by the high level of competition that currently exists. Actually, average numbers become less and less relevant when refueling. For example, at the beginning of this week, in the Community of Madrid, you could find gas stations with gasoline at 1.26 euros per liter. In this same region, there were pumps which distributed this fuel at €1.68/L. A situation can also be extrapolated to diesel where variations of more than 40 cents can be observed. Something very important for drivers who have to carry out large refuelings over the course of a month.

The cheapest

The CNMC, with the aim of generating the greatest possible transparency, publishes the top 10 cheapest and most expensive gas stations of the month analyzed. In October, the gas stations in the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands that had the lowest average prices for 95 gasoline were two stations in Córdoba with signs Ballénoil And Plenergy. They were followed by a station of the brand Petroprixalso in Córdoba and another from Campsa Express in Montmeló (Barcelona). For diesel, the stations with the lowest price were two Ballenoil, both located in Murcia, followed by two stations, also in Murcia, with the Plenergy label.

On the other side, with the more expensive 95 gasoline, was a gas station. to move in Mahón (Balearic Islands), which also leads to a record diesel price. A curious situation since the former Cepsa owns Ballenoil. In other words, it presents the cheapest and most expensive prices.

An extensive network

The fact that gasoline prices have remained stable may be due in part to the vast network of gas stations that existsas well as strong competition. The distribution by province has not changed much in recent years. As of June 15, 2025, according to the latest official data from the CNMC, the provinces with the highest number of supply facilities are Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. For their part, the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla and the provinces of Soria, Palencia and Ávila are those with the fewest points of sale.

Concerning the typology, the purchase of Ballenoil by Moeve caused numerous independent gas stations drop to 43% of the total. Despite everything, this type of gas station has increased its presence in the market. We note the progression of the Plenergy and Petroprix networks (respectively 302 and 169 establishments registered as of June 15, 2025). For their part, the hypermarket brand networks (Crossroads, Alcampo, Eroskietc.), which increased significantly over the period 2013-2021, remain stable.

The Spanish network of independent stations is quite fragmented. Concretely, those with recurring brands – like those mentioned above – represent 26% of the total independent network (1,440 installations out of a total of 5,559). It will be important to see if consolidation operations will take place in 2026.