Fuel in Italy: Senza Piombo, Diesel, and Others Explained

If you’re traveling through Italy by car — whether you’ve rented one for your Tuscan road trip or to explore the Amalfi Coast — you’ll quickly realize that fueling up isn’t quite the same as back home. Names, colors, and fuel options may look unfamiliar, and a small mistake at the pump can cause big trouble for your rental car (and your wallet).
This guide will help you understand exactly how to refuel in Italy, what each fuel type means, and how it compares to the fuels you’re used to in the United States, the UK, France, or Germany.

The Main Types of Fuel in Italy

At Italian gas stations, you’ll typically find four main types of fuel:

1. Benzina (Gasoline / Petrol)
2. Diesel (Gasolio)
3. GPL (Gas di Petrolio Liquefatto) — Liquefied Petroleum Gas
4. Metano (CNG – Compressed Natural Gas)

Each type is clearly labeled, but not always in English. Here’s how they differ and how to identify them safely.

🟢 Benzina (Gasoline / Petrol)

When you see “Senza Piombo” on a pump, that means unleaded gasoline. Literally, senza piombo translates to without lead — the equivalent of unleaded fuel in English.

In Italy, unleaded gasoline comes in two common grades:

• Super Senza Piombo 95 – Regular unleaded (95 octane)
• Super Plus / Super Senza Piombo 98 – Premium unleaded (98 octane)

If you’re from the U.S., think of:

• 95 octane ≈ Regular or Mid-grade (89–91 AKI)
• 98 octane ≈ Premium (93 AKI)

European octane ratings use a different measurement (RON, not AKI), so don’t be alarmed by the higher numbers. The higher the octane, the better performance for high-compression or turbo engines, but most rental cars in Italy run perfectly fine on 95 Super Senza Piombo.

Label colors:
Gasoline pumps are often green or black in Italy, depending on the station brand. Always check the label, not the color, because some brands invert them (unlike in the U.S., where green usually means diesel).

⚫ Diesel (Gasolio)

Diesel, called Gasolio in Italian, is extremely common, especially for larger vehicles like SUVs, vans, and most manual-transmission rental cars.
If your rental car has a “Diesel only” sticker near the cap, make sure to avoid anything labeled “Benzina” — mixing them can severely damage the engine.

Diesel in Italy has similar properties to that used in Europe and the U.S. It’s low-sulfur (ULSD) and may include small portions of bio-diesel for environmental compliance.

Labels you’ll see:

• Gasolio
• Sometimes Diesel B7 (contains up to 7% biodiesel)

Price difference: Diesel is usually cheaper than gasoline in Italy and provides better mileage, which is why many locals prefer diesel cars.

🔵 GPL (LPG – Liquefied Petroleum Gas)

GPL (pronounced “Gee-Pee-Ehl”) stands for Gas di Petrolio Liquefatto, or Liquefied Petroleum Gas.
It’s a cleaner-burning fuel made mostly of propane and butane, commonly used by eco-conscious drivers or those with dual-fuel cars (that can run on both gasoline and GPL).

You’ll see separate pumps for GPL — usually at the side of the station — and you’re not allowed to refuel it yourself. Italian law requires an attendant to handle GPL refueling for safety reasons.

Advantages:

• Cheaper than gasoline (often around 50–60% of the price)
• Lower emissions

Drawbacks:

• Not available at every gas station
• Not all rental cars support GPL

🔶 Metano (CNG – Compressed Natural Gas)

Metano (methane) is Italy’s term for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
It’s different from GPL and used mostly by Italian drivers who own CNG-equipped vehicles. Some environmentally friendly rental fleets also offer Metano cars.

CNG in Italy is sold by kilogram, not liter. The refueling process takes a bit longer, and not all stations have it — you’ll typically find CNG pumps along highways (Autostrade) or in urban areas.

Pros:

• Very eco-friendly
• Significantly cheaper per kilometer than gasoline

Cons:

• Fewer refueling points
• Smaller trunk space (due to gas tank installation)

💡 Common Terms You’ll See at the Pump

🛑 How to Avoid Confusion (and Expensive Mistakes)

1. Always check the sticker inside your fuel cap — it usually says “Diesel only” or “Unleaded 95/98.”
2. Never rely only on hose color. Italian stations don’t follow a universal color code.
3. Ask for help (“Benzina, per favore” or “Diesel, per favore”) if you’re unsure.
4. Use full-service lanes (“Servito”) — an attendant will fuel for you. It costs a bit more, but it’s worth avoiding a costly mistake.
5. If you prefer self-service, choose the lane marked “Self” — usually cheaper but unattended.

⛽ Self-Service vs. Full-Service

• Self (Fai da te): You pay directly at the pump or inside the kiosk. Cheaper but requires basic Italian comprehension.
• Servito: The attendant fills the tank for you and often cleans the windshield. Prices can be €0.10–€0.20 per liter higher, but it’s convenient for travelers unsure of the process.

💳 How to Pay at Gas Stations in Italy

Most stations accept credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard), but smaller rural ones may prefer cash (contanti).
If you’re fueling after hours, you’ll find automatic pumps that require prepayment — insert your card, choose an amount (usually €20–€100), and the pump activates.
Always keep some small bills or coins, as older machines might reject foreign cards.

🌍 Comparison with the U.S. and Other European Countries

• In the United States, unleaded gasoline typically ranges from 87 to 93 AKI, equivalent to 91–98 RON in Italy — so Italian “Super 95” equals your mid-grade, not premium.
• In France or Germany, labels like “Sans Plomb 95” or “Super E10” are nearly identical to Italy’s Senza Piombo 95.
• Diesel in the UK or EU is also marked as B7, just like in Italy.
• Ethanol-based fuels (like E85) are rare in Italy, so don’t expect to find them.
• Unlike Brazil or the U.S., Italian gasoline doesn’t contain ethanol blends.

🧭 Final Tips Before You Hit the Road

• Plan ahead: use apps like PetrolPrices.it, Fuel Flash, or Google Maps to find nearby stations and compare prices.
• On highways, fuel prices are higher — fill up in town whenever possible.
• Always keep your receipt (scontrino) after fueling — it may be required by your rental agency.
• Be cautious with hybrid or plug-in cars: they still require regular fuel (usually Benzina).

🏁 Our Advice

Refueling in Italy is easy once you know the basics. Remember:

• “Senza Piombo” = Unleaded Gasoline
• “Gasolio” = Diesel
• “GPL” and “Metano” = Gas alternatives, not for regular cars

With these tips, you can explore Italy’s scenic routes — from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the cliffs of Amalfi — without worrying about what’s going into your tank.

Buon viaggio e pieno perfetto! ⛽🇮🇹

Valuable tips for drivers:

Driving in Italy: Essential Tips for Car Rental, Tolls, Parking, and ZTL Zones

Tolls in Italy: Complete Guide to Autostrade, Costs, and Payment Options

How to Refuel a Car in Italy: Guide for Tourists

How to Rent a Car in Italy: Complete Guide for Travelers

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