The man ahead of you at the gas station glares at the numbers climbing on the pump, his jaw set in frustration. Behind him, a woman scrolls through her phone, likely comparing fuel prices, wondering if today was the “least bad” day to fill up. The cashier glances up, already familiar with the usual groans and sighs, the routine exchange of “It’s crazy, right?” as the receipt prints.
We’ve all had that moment of wondering if our car is quietly eating away at our budget. But starting from February 12, the small screen on the pump will start giving you information that could change how you perceive your fuel costs.
What’s New: Cost per 100 km on the Pump
From February 12, gas stations will not only show the price per liter and the total amount. A new mandatory line will appear on the display: an estimate of the fuel cost per 100 km or a similar, more concrete benchmark.
Instead of just seeing how much you’re spending in real-time, this new display will show how far your money will take you. While this might sound like a minor technical change, it could significantly shift how you think about fuel costs. Imagine this: you pull up to the pump, swipe your card, select your fuel, and the display shows the usual price per liter, liters filled, and total amount. But now, there’s an extra line that tells you how much that current fill-up will cost you per 100 km driven.
Suddenly, you’re not thinking, “I just spent 83 euros,” but rather, “My car now costs around X euros for every 100 km.” For families balancing commutes, school runs, and weekend trips, that’s a meaningful figure — one you can act on.
Why This Matters: A Step Toward Clearer Energy Pricing
This new display is part of a broader effort to make energy prices easier to understand in daily life. Just like electricity suppliers often compare your fridge’s energy consumption to euros per year, fuel has remained more abstract with just euros per liter. This new approach provides a clearer picture of what you’re actually spending on your journeys.
It won’t lower fuel prices, but it could subtly shift the balance. You’ll still pay the same price at the station, but now, you’ll know exactly what that price means in terms of distance. It’s a more tangible way to view your car’s costs, giving you a tool to assess where and when it makes sense to fuel up.
How to Use This New Info for Smarter Fuel Choices
While this new data might seem like just another number, it can become a powerful tool for saving money if used smartly.
The simplest method is to note the “cost per 100 km” (or similar figure) every time you fill up. Record the station name and date along with it. After a month, you’ll likely notice patterns. Some stations may consistently cost more for the same distance, and certain days may offer better fuel prices.
Many drivers mistakenly focus solely on the total price on the receipt, ignoring other factors. A car that seems “reasonable” can actually cost a lot more if your trips involve short distances, frequent stops, and rush-hour traffic. By monitoring the “per 100 km” figure, you can begin to identify patterns that help you make better fuel decisions — whether it’s changing your driving style, opting for a different fuel type, or picking a cheaper station.
Taking Advantage of the New Display for Better Driving
For those who pay attention to the new data, it could lead to meaningful changes. You might find yourself choosing stations based on the “cost per 100 km,” adjusting your driving habits, or even switching between modes of transport based on what’s more economical for your trips. Eventually, some drivers will make more informed decisions, whether that’s driving a little calmer, fueling at different stations, or understanding the true cost of their vehicle.
Quick Tips for Using the New Fuel Info
- Track the cost per 100 km at each fill-up to spot patterns in station pricing.
- Make smarter fuel choices by using the data to compare stations and adjust your driving style.
- Pay attention to patterns over time, like days of the week or station locations, to reduce your fuel costs.
- Use the info to decide whether it’s more cost-effective to drive, carpool, or take public transport for certain trips.
