Prices for filling up your vehicle are more expensive in Spain and the EU that in the US.
When we visited the first week of February this year, in the Jávea area the price for vehicle fuel was $6.00 gal (€1.35l) for gasoline and $5.58 for diesel (€1.25l).
Just like in the US, prices can vary widely based upon where you are. We noticed than as you got closer to Alicanté that prices were slightly higher.
Fuel prices in Europe are generally higher because of taxes and transportation policy rather than higher production costs. In many EU countries taxes account for 40–60% of the pump price, compared to roughly 10–20% in the US. These taxes help fund infrastructure and encourage fuel efficiency reflecting Europe’s denser cities and lower reliance on long-distance driving. European drivers are also more likely to use diesel vehicles with smaller and more fuel-efficient engines which helps offset higher fuel prices through better mileage.
Spain follows the same system but is relatively inexpensive by EU standards. Fuel taxes are lower in Spain which is why prices are often among the lowest in Western Europe.
Find out more about the Cost of Living in Spain by clicking here.