Fuel prices remain high on the list of concerns for fleet managers.
When margins are tight and mileage is high every penny per litre matters, so it’s no surprise businesses turn to supermarket fuel as a popular way to keep costs down.
But despite its increasing popularity, there’s still often a lingering but completely unfounded doubt – ‘does cheaper fuel mean we’re cutting corners somewhere?'
Myths around whether it affects engine performance or increases wear are understandable, because no one wants to save money today only to pay for it tomorrow.
The reality is that supermarket fuel is often misunderstood. A closer look at what’s actually in it and how it’s heavily regulated paints a far more reassuring picture.
Here’s your guide to separate the myths from the reality of how fuel really works in day-to-day fleet operations.
Myth v Fact: separating fuel fiction from reality
Myth: Cheaper fuel means lower quality
Fact: All fuel sold in the UK must meet the same strict standards, regardless of where it’s bought.
Supermarket fuel isn’t a budget version operating under looser rules. Petrol and diesel sold in the UK must comply with British Standards and European regulations that govern everything from cleanliness and combustion to emissions and engine compatibility.
These requirements exist to protect vehicles and ensure consistent performance. If fuel doesn’t meet them, it simply can’t be sold. From a quality and safety standpoint, supermarket fuel is held to the same exacting standards as branded alternatives.
Myth: Supermarket fuel comes from inferior sources
Fact: Much of the UK’s fuel comes from the same refineries and shared supply chains.
A common assumption is that branded fuels and supermarket fuels are produced separately. In reality, many fuels begin life in the same refineries before being distributed.
The base fuel that actually powers the engine is often identical. Any differences tend to come later in the process through branding or additive blends, not because supermarket fuel starts out as a lower-grade product.
Myth: Supermarket fuel doesn’t contain proper additives
Fact: All standard road fuels already include additives required for safe, efficient engine performance.
Additives are often talked about as though they’re exclusive to premium fuels. In practice, additives are a standard requirement to keep engines clean, protect components and ensure smooth operation.
While some premium fuels may include enhanced additives, supermarket fuel still contains everything needed for everyday fleet use, so the standard additives are more than sufficient.
Myth: Using supermarket fuel reduces MPG
Fact: Supermarket fuel does not reduce fuel efficiency when vehicles are driven and maintained properly.
There’s no evidence to suggest supermarket fuel delivers fewer miles per gallon than branded alternatives as vehicles are designed to run efficiently on fuel that meets regulatory standards – not on fuel tied to a specific brand.
In reality fuel efficiency is influenced far more by driving behaviour, vehicle load, route planning and maintenance.
Myth: It causes long-term engine damage
Fact: Modern engines are built to run on regulated fuel, not brand names.
Concerns about increased wear or hidden engine damage are understandable, but they’re not supported by everyday experience. Modern vehicles are engineered to operate safely on any fuel that meets UK standards which supermarket fuel does.
If supermarket fuel caused long-term damage, it would quickly show up across the many fleets that rely on it daily. Instead, it has become a normal, trusted part of professional fleet operations.
Myth: Professional fleets don’t use supermarket fuel
Fact: Many fleets of vans, cars and high-mileage commercial vehicles depend on supermarket fuel. It’s used across fleets of all sizes and is a first choice not just for price, but for availability, convenience and reliability.
The absence of widespread performance or maintenance issues speaks for itself. For cost-conscious fleets, supermarket fuel offers a practical way to control spend without unnecessary risk.
Myth: Saving on fuel always means compromise
Fact: Choosing supermarket fuel allows fleets to control costs with confidence.
For fleet managers, the goal is to save money without creating new problems. Supermarket fuel supports that by offering regulated quality at a lower cost point.
When fuel choice is based on fact rather than myth, it gives managers the confidence to focus on other efficiency gains such as driver behaviour and smarter scheduling.
Confidence, clarity and control
Supermarket fuel is subject to the same quality standards as branded alternatives, comes from the same supply networks and is already used successfully by fleets every day.
Basing decisions on evidence rather than perception helps businesses move forward with confidence. And when fuel choice is settled, attention can shift to the bigger picture of efficiency and performance.
fuelGenie supports fleets by combining access to supermarket fuel with visibility and control over spending. Our station finder helps drivers quickly locate supermarket sites on their route to keep refuelling simple, consistent and cost-effective.
Without compromising on quality.
