Is diesel or petrol better for a car in Sweden?
Fuel prices, vehicle tax and environmental zone rules for the two fuels.
Short answer
Neither fuel is better by default: St1 listed diesel at about SEK 24 per litre and petrol 95 at about SEK 18 on 28 October 2026. Diesel cars also pay a fuel-based tax surcharge, and in environmental zone class 2 a diesel car must meet Euro 6 while a petrol car may meet Euro 5 or Euro 6.
Why
- St1 lists petrol 95 at SEK 17.64 and diesel at SEK 23.84 per litre including VAT on 28 October 2026, and Preem lists the same figures from 27 October.
- Transportstyrelsen says diesel cars pay a fuel-based surcharge in the vehicle tax, and cars first registered from 1 January 2008 also pay an environmental surcharge of SEK 250.
- Transportstyrelsen says that in environmental zone class 2 a petrol car must meet Euro 5 or Euro 6 and a diesel car must meet Euro 6.
Details
The St1 and Preem figures are list prices for business cards, so the price on the sign at your own station can differ, and St1's page mentions a temporary reduction in fuel tax on petrol and diesel from 1 July 2026. Environmental zones exist only where a municipality has introduced them, and class 3 admits only electric, fuel cell and gas vehicles, according to Transportstyrelsen. For fuel stations see fuel stations in Stockholm, and for rules on the road see driving and traffic rules in Sweden.
Tip
Compare the yearly cost for your own use: the car's fuel use, the mil you drive, the price at your station and the vehicle tax shown for the exact car.
What may differ
Electric, gas and E85 cars follow other rules: class 3 environmental zones admit only electric, fuel cell and gas vehicles, and cars running on E85, natural gas or biogas pay half the CO2 amount of vehicle tax.
Common misconception
Diesel is always cheaper to run than petrol.
What actually happens
On 28 October 2026 St1 listed diesel at SEK 23.84 per litre against SEK 17.64 for petrol 95, and Transportstyrelsen adds a fuel-based surcharge to the tax of diesel cars.
People also ask
- Is diesel better than petrol?
- Should I buy a diesel or a petrol car in Sweden?
Sources
- St1: List prices at St1 stationsChecked at:
- Preem: List prices for business customersChecked at:
- Transportstyrelsen: Size of the vehicle taxChecked at:
- Transportstyrelsen: Environmental zonesChecked at:
Prices and fees change, so check St1, Preem and Transportstyrelsen before you decide.
Fuel stations in StockholmRelated questions
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How often does a car need inspection in Sweden?
A passenger car is inspected first within 36 months of the month it was put into traffic.
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Can you take a Swedish rental car to Denmark or Norway?
Sixt says its rental cars may be taken from Sweden to Denmark, Finland and Norway, while Hertz and Avis require written permission before you drive outside Sweden.
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Do you need a credit card to rent a car in Sweden?
Hertz accepts debit cards, but a renter paying with one must also show a credit card at pickup, so a credit card is the safe choice.
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Where can you find EV charging stations in Stockholm?
You find EV chargers in Stockholm with apps and maps such as ChargeFinder and PlugShare, or in an operator's app such as Vattenfall InCharge.