Drivin' in Czechia
All you need to drive smart in the Czech Republic
Refueling your car in a foreign country can be stressful – unfamiliar fuel names, different systems for service and payment. In the Czech Republic, most petrol stations are self-service, so it’s useful to know how the process works. This article provides a practical step-by-step guide to refueling in the Czech Republic, including an overview of available fuels, payment methods, and useful tips.
1. Arriving at the gas station
- Pull up to the pump so that the fuel cap is near the nozzle.
- Check whether the pump offers the right fuel (petrol, diesel, LPG, CNG).
- Turn off the engine, engage the handbrake, and only then get out.
2. Choosing fuel
Czech gas stations typically offer these types of fuel:
- Petrol (Natural 95, Natural 98) – marked with green. The standard is 95 octane, but most stations also offer premium fuels with higher octane ratings, including Natural 98 or even 100 octane petrol.
- Diesel – typically a black nozzle.
- LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) – usually found at specialized stations and may require staff assistance.
- CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) – usually available at dedicated CNG stations.
- Electricity – increasingly common charging stations, usually located near gas stations but separate from the traditional fuel pumps.
Fuel identification in the EU has fortunately been standardized:
- Petrol – the symbol E5 in a circle stands for Natural 95 with 5% ethanol; E10 means 10% ethanol.
- Diesel – the most common label is B7 in a square, meaning diesel with up to 7% biodiesel.
3. Refueling step-by-step
- Open the fuel cap.
- Lift the nozzle for the selected fuel.
- Insert the nozzle into the tank opening and squeeze the lever.
- The pump will shut off automatically once the tank is full.
- Return the nozzle to the pump.
- Close the fuel cap.
- Pay.
4. Payment
At Czech gas stations, you usually pay after refueling – go to the counter and pay the attendant. However, at self-service stations, the process is reversed:
You must first prepay at the terminal or set a maximum limit, and only then you can start refueling. It’s a good idea to take the printed receipt after payment.
Payment options:
- Cash – in Czech crowns (CZK); some stations accept euros, though often at an unfavorable exchange rate.
- Payment cards – Visa, Mastercard, Maestro.
- Fuel cards – major networks accept cards like DKV or UTA, mostly used by companies or fleet customers.
Assistance and additional services
- At most Czech gas stations, you fill up your tank yourself. The exceptions are promotional events and selected LPG pumps, where the staff will help you.
- Many stations sell motorway vignettes, snacks, or offer access to toilets.
- Major networks on highways and main roads (Orlen/Benzina, MOL, OMV, Shell) are open 24/7.
Practical tips
- Safety: Never leave the engine running while refueling. Don’t smoke near the pumps.
- 24-hour stations: Usually marked with “24h”.
- Fuel station networks: Most common are Orlen (formerly Benzina), MOL, OMV, Shell.
Fuel glossary
| Czech expression | English translation | German translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural 95 | Petrol / Gasoline 95 | Benzin 95 | most common petrol in the Czech Republic |
| Natural 98 | Petrol / Gasoline 98 | Benzin 98 | premium petrol |
| Nafta (Diesel) | Diesel | Diesel | for diesel vehicles |
| LPG | LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) | Autogas / LPG | liquefied petroleum gas |
| CNG | CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) | Erdgas (CNG) | compressed natural gas |
| Elektřina | Electricity | Strom | for electric vehicles |
Conclusion
Refueling in the Czech Republic is simple – once you understand the basics. Just choose the right fuel, follow the steps, and select your preferred payment method. Thanks to this guide, refueling at Czech gas stations should no longer be a hassle.
