Fueling up in Norway is straightforward once you know the local quirks. Most stations are unmanned, you’ll use a card at the pump, and the labels can look a bit different from what you’re used to. We also have long stretches with few stations, especially in rural and northern areas, so a little planning pays off.
Short answer: You’ll usually fuel at a self-service pump, pay with a chip-and-PIN or contactless card, choose Bensin 95 (E10) for most petrol cars or Diesel for diesels, and print a receipt if you need it. Prices are per liter and can fluctuate day to day. If you’re driving a rental, check the fuel type in the glovebox or on the filler cap before you touch the nozzle.
Let’s take a deeper dive into how Norwegian gas stations work, which fuel to choose, payment tips, and a few local habits that will save you time and hassle.
Understanding Fuel Types and Labels
The most common fuels you’ll see:
- Bensin 95 (E10): Regular unleaded petrol with up to 10 percent ethanol. This is the standard choice for most modern petrol cars. Look for green or red branding depending on the station, but the pump will clearly say 95 or E10.
- Bensin 98 (E5): Premium petrol with higher octane and up to 5 percent ethanol. If your car specifies 98 or you prefer E5, this is widely available in cities and along main highways.
- Diesel: Standard diesel for passenger cars and vans. The handle is typically black, but always read the label on the pump display before filling.
- Truckdiesel: A separate high-flow nozzle for heavy vehicles. Do not use this on passenger cars; the flow rate is too strong and the nozzle may not fit.
- AdBlue: Not fuel, but a urea-based exhaust fluid for newer diesels. Some stations have a car-friendly AdBlue pump; otherwise you’ll find bottles in the kiosk.
- LPG/Autogas: Limited availability compared to many European countries. If you rely on LPG, plan your route and check availability ahead of time.
Tip: On rentals, there’s usually a sticker on the key fob or inside the fuel flap that says Bensin (petrol) or Diesel. In Norwegian, “bensin” means petrol/gasoline.
Self-Service Is the Default
Almost every station in Norway is self-service. You park, select the pump on the card terminal, pre-authorize payment, and then fuel. Staffed kiosks exist at many Circle K, YX, Esso, Shell/7-Eleven, and Best locations, but even there the pumps are designed for self-serve. At purely unmanned brands like Uno-X, everything happens at the pump, 24/7.
There are no attendants to fill for you. If you’re unfamiliar, take a breath, read the on-screen prompts, and you’ll be fine.
How Payment Works at the Pump
Cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Chip-and-PIN and contactless usually work; magnetic stripe alone might fail. American Express acceptance is hit and miss. Fleet and station cards (Circle K, Esso, etc.) work as expected.
Pre-authorization holds: The pump will place a temporary hold on your card, often 1500 to 2000 NOK. The final amount replaces this hold once the transaction settles. If your card is near its limit, this can matter.
Cash: Increasingly rare at pumps. If the station has a staffed kiosk and it’s open, you can sometimes prepay cash inside. At unmanned stations, cash won’t be an option.
Mobile payments: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at many terminals. Vipps is common in Norway but not reliable for foreign accounts.
Receipts: After fueling, select kvittering on the terminal to print a receipt. If you miss it, the kiosk can often reprint during staffed hours.
Step-by-Step: Using a Norwegian Pump
- Park with the correct side facing the pump. Space can be tight in winter when snowbanks build up, so line up neatly.
- Insert or tap your card on the card terminal. Choose language if prompted; English is typically available.
- Select your pump number and any limit if asked (full tank, or a set kroner amount).
- Choose your fuel type at the pump: 95/E10, 98/E5, or Diesel. Double-check the label against your fuel cap.
- Lift the nozzle and hold the handle until it auto-stops. Some pumps have a small latch; if so, it releases automatically when the tank is full.
- Return the nozzle and wait for the terminal to calculate the final amount.
- Print your receipt (kvittering) if you need expense documentation or mileage logs.
If the pump shows a Norwegian-only error, trying again with a smaller pre-authorization amount often helps. Otherwise, switch to a different card or pump.
Fuel Prices and When to Fill
Prices are posted per liter and can fluctuate through the week. You might notice days when prices jump above the recent average, then fall again. If you’re on a long trip, topping up when you see a lower price is sensible, but don’t run the tank to fumes in rural areas just to chase a small saving. In the far north and on coastal islands, distances between stations can be long and weather can shut roads quickly.
Where You’ll Find Stations
Major brands include Circle K, Esso, Shell (often paired with 7-Eleven), Uno-X, YX, Best, and independents in smaller towns. Along the E6, E18, E39 and other main routes, you won’t have trouble. On mountain passes, scenic coastal routes, and in the Arctic, stations thin out. If your range is modest, top up in the last larger town before you head into sparse sections.
Winter note: In cold snaps, some small rural stations can be temporarily offline due to technical issues. Keep a buffer in the tank.
Diesel in Winter and Other Seasonal Tips
Norwegian diesel is seasonally adjusted to prevent gelling in cold weather. You don’t need additives unless your vehicle manufacturer recommends them. If you’re arriving from another country in deep winter, avoid mixing a lot of non-winterized diesel with local fuel right before driving into the mountains.
Bring thin gloves if you dislike cold nozzles, and keep a pack of wet wipes in the door pocket. Many stations offer washer fluid year-round; in winter, choose one rated for sub-zero temperatures. It’s perfectly normal to see people topping up washer fluid at the pump.
Air, Fluids, and Quick Fixes
Most stations have:
- Air pumps for tires, often free or a small coin/card fee. Pressure is usually shown in bar (1 bar ≈ 14.5 psi). Check your door jamb for the recommended values.
- Vacuum cleaners and simple car wash bays or automatic wash tunnels.
- AdBlue bottles or a dedicated pump for passenger cars at larger sites.
- Windshield squeegees and disposable towels. In winter, these may be inside the kiosk to keep them from freezing.
If you need engine oil, fuses, light bulbs, or snow brushes, the kiosk is your best bet when open.
Safety and Etiquette at the Pump
- Switch off the engine before fueling. It’s expected and sometimes enforced.
- No smoking or vaping anywhere near the pumps.
- Do not block pumps while shopping. If you need to go inside, move to a parking bay after you finish fueling and put the nozzle back.
- Idling rules: Many municipalities restrict unnecessary idling; locals are pretty diligent about switching off.
- Fuel cans: Only fill approved containers, and follow the instructions posted on-site.
Norwegians queue calmly. If someone waves you forward, they’re being practical, not pushy.
Common Hiccups and Quick Fixes
- Card declined at an unmanned station: Try a different card, reduce the pre-authorization amount if prompted, or go to a staffed station. If your bank flags the transaction, a quick call usually resolves it.
- Pump won’t start after prepaying a set amount: You may need to select the pump number on the terminal again or confirm the amount once more. Read the screen; it’s normally one extra button.
- Nozzle doesn’t fit: You might be at a truckdiesel lane or a high-flow nozzle. Move to a standard passenger-car diesel pump.
- Language barrier: Look for a “Språk/Language” button on the terminal. English is commonly available.
Electric Charging and Hybrids at Fuel Stations
A growing number of fuel stations also host fast chargers and destination chargers. If you’re in a plug-in hybrid, it’s common to charge while you grab coffee, then top off with Bensin 95 or 98 as needed. For pure EV road trips, dedicated charging hubs can be more convenient, but don’t be surprised to find high-speed chargers right next to the forecourt.
City vs. Country: What Changes
In cities: longer opening hours for kiosks, more premium fuel options, and usually car washes and food courts. In the countryside: more unmanned stations, fewer add-on services, and occasionally limited premium fuel. If you need 98/E5 specifically, check availability along your route.
Parking near stations can be tight in urban areas. In Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim, be careful not to linger on forecourts with bus lanes or tram tracks nearby; cameras and fines are a thing.
Renting a Car? A Few Norway-Specific Reminders
- Confirm the fuel type with the rental staff and check the fuel flap before you leave the lot.
- Keep the receipt if your company or rental agreement requires it; select kvittering after fueling.
- If you’re returning the car early morning when kiosks are closed, fueling at an unmanned station the night before is normal.
- In winter, clear snow from around the filler flap before you pull up. A block of ice around the hinge makes for an awkward scene at the pump.
Useful Norwegian Words at the Station
- Bensin: Petrol/gasoline
- Diesel: Diesel
- 95/E10, 98/E5: Octane and ethanol content labels
- Pumpe: Pump
- Kvittering: Receipt
- Kort: Card
- Kroner/NOK: Norwegian currency
- Spylervæske: Windshield washer fluid
- Luft: Air (for tires)
Final Local Advice
Fill earlier than you think in the mountains, on coastal island routes, and anywhere north of the Arctic Circle. Weather can flip from sunny to closed passes faster than your navigation app updates. If you keep at least a quarter tank outside the biggest towns, you’ll have options.
With these basics in your pocket, fueling in Norway becomes one of the easier parts of your trip. The pumps are modern, the process is consistent, and once you’ve done it once, you’ll feel like a local the next time that low-fuel light blinks at you.