Filling up your car in Norway is mostly straightforward, but there are a few local quirks that can catch travelers off guard. From unmanned stations and card pre-authorizations to the E10 vs. 98 octane question, this guide covers everything you need to know to refuel smoothly anywhere from Oslo to the Arctic.
If you just need the short version: most Norwegian gas stations are self-service and many are unmanned, you pay at the pump with a card and PIN, select the correct fuel (95 E10 for most petrol cars, diesel clearly marked, and 98 E5 available for older petrol engines), pump until it stops, and print your receipt by pressing “Kvittering.” Be aware that your card may see a temporary pre-authorization hold that is higher than your actual purchase.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of pumping gas in Norway.
Understanding Norwegian Gas Stations
Norway has both staffed and unmanned stations. You’ll see big brands like Circle K, Shell, Esso, YX, Uno-X, and Best. In cities and along main highways, you’ll often find large, staffed stations with a shop, toilets, and hot food. In rural areas, unmanned “automat” stations are common and usually operate 24/7. Prices are displayed per liter and vary during the day; unmanned stations tend to be a bit cheaper.
Payment: Cards, PINs, and Pre-Authorizations
The default is pay at the pump. Insert or tap your card, enter your PIN if asked, and the terminal will run a temporary pre-authorization (often several hundred to over a thousand kroner). This is not a charge; it’s a hold that adjusts to your actual spend shortly after.
Helpful notes:
- PIN is king. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Some stations do not accept American Express. Mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay work at many staffed pumps and shops, but don’t count on tap-to-pay at every unmanned terminal.
- If the pump asks you to select an amount (“Beløp”), choose a ceiling higher than what you expect to fill. The pump will stop at your car’s full tank or when it reaches the ceiling, and you’ll only pay what you actually pump.
- Want a receipt? Look for “Kvittering” or “Utskrift” on-screen or a physical button after you finish.
Fuel Types: 95 E10, 98 E5, and Diesel
You’ll typically see three options:
- 95 (E10) “Blyfri”: This is the standard unleaded petrol. Most modern petrol cars are fine with E10.
- 98 (often E5): Premium unleaded with lower ethanol content, recommended for some older petrol engines or performance cars that specify higher octane.
- Diesel (“Diesel”): For diesel vehicles. In colder months, stations sell seasonally adjusted diesel suitable for Norwegian winters.
Important cautions:
- Read the label, not the color. Nozzle colors are not perfectly standardized between brands. Double-check the grade on the pump display and the nozzle tag.
- Do not use “Avgiftsfri/Farget diesel.” That’s dyed, tax-free diesel for off-road, agriculture, or marine use. Using it in a road car is illegal.
- Driving a rental? Verify your fuel type on the fuel cap or instrument cluster and save the receipt in case your rental company asks for proof of refueling.
Step-by-Step: How to Pump Gas at a Norwegian Station
- Park with the correct side of the car facing the pump and switch off your engine. Set the parking brake if you’re on a slope.
- At the terminal, insert or tap your card. Enter your PIN if prompted. Approve the pre-authorization or select a maximum amount (“Beløp”) if the system asks.
- Choose your fuel grade on the screen or by picking up the correct nozzle.
- Remove the nozzle and insert it into the filler neck. Squeeze the handle to start. Many pumps don’t have a trigger lock, so keep a steady squeeze.
- When the tank is full or you hit the amount limit, the pump will click off. Do not overfill; a second or third click risks spillage.
- Replace the nozzle and close your fuel cap.
- If you want a receipt, press “Kvittering/Utskrift.” Some pumps print automatically; others require a tap on the screen.
- The terminal will finalize the transaction and release the hold down to your actual fuel cost shortly after.
Unmanned Stations: What to Expect
Unmanned stations are quick and usually cheaper, but they come with two differences:
- Card only, PIN required. No cash. If your foreign card doesn’t work, try another brand nearby or a staffed station.
- Limited amenities. You’ll often have windshield squeegees and paper towels, but no toilets or shop.
If your card is declined:
- Try inserting with chip and PIN rather than contactless.
- Use a different card or find a staffed station.
- In remote areas, keep your tank above half. Distances can be long between stations, especially in the mountains and the far north.
Winter Fueling: Small Things That Make a Big Difference
Norwegian winters can be harsh. A few local habits help:
- Gloves help. Pump handles get very cold and sometimes icy. Many stations provide disposable gloves.
- Snow and ice off first. Clear your filler area so the cap can open fully and no snow falls into the neck.
- Windshield care. Use the squeegee and washer fluid if provided. Visibility matters more in our long, dark months.
- Diesel gel risk is managed by stations. Pumps switch to winter-grade diesel seasonally, so you don’t have to add anti-gel yourself in normal conditions.
Common Screen Words and What They Mean
A little Norwegian goes a long way at the pump:
- Bensin/Blyfri: Unleaded petrol
- 95 (E10): Standard unleaded
- 98 (E5): Premium unleaded
- Diesel: Diesel
- Beløp: Amount
- Kvittering/Utskrift: Receipt/Print
- Avbryt: Cancel
- Godkjenn: Approve
- Nødstopp: Emergency stop
Safety and Etiquette
Norwegian stations are self-regulated and trust-based, so we keep it tidy:
- No smoking and avoid using your phone while fueling.
- If you spill, tell staff at a manned station or use the spill kit if provided. At unmanned sites, absorbents are often stored near the pumps.
- Emergency numbers if something serious happens: 110 fire, 112 police, 113 ambulance.
- Don’t block pumps longer than needed. Move to a parking spot if you’re heading inside.
Finding Fuel on Long Drives
On the E-roads and main highways you’ll rarely go far without a station. In the fjords, mountain passes, or Finnmark, plan ahead:
- Top up when you can, especially before long stretches with limited services.
- Many stations show 24/7 availability; if you need toilets or food late at night, aim for a staffed, larger site near towns.
- Some remote stations share space with local shops or workshops; opening hours may be shorter for indoor services even if the pump runs all night.
Price Basics and Saving a Few Kroner
Fuel prices in Norway are high by global standards and priced per liter. They fluctuate throughout the day and week. A few tips:
- Unmanned brands often undercut the big, full-service sites.
- Motorways can be pricier than neighborhood or small-town stations.
- If you’re refueling near the Swedish border, some travelers time their fill-ups across the border, but this only makes sense if your itinerary already goes that way.
EVs, Hybrids, and AdBlue
If you’re mixing modes of travel:
- Plug-in hybrids can select petrol like any other car. Keep an eye on your small tank range.
- AdBlue for newer diesel cars is sold in bottles inside station shops. Dedicated AdBlue pumps exist but are typically in the heavy-vehicle lanes; check your rental policy before using them.
- If you’re primarily driving electric, fast chargers are widespread along main routes, but this guide sticks to liquid fuels. Many mixed stations host both.
When Things Don’t Work
Travel throws curveballs. Here’s how Norwegians handle the usual hiccups:
- Pump refuses your card: Try another pump at the same station, then another brand. Staffed sites can run your card inside.
- No receipt printed: Look for a “Kvittering” reprint option on the screen; at staffed stations, ask inside with the pump number and time.
- Accidentally selected the wrong fuel: Do not start the engine. Tell staff or call your rental provider for roadside assistance immediately.
Final Pointers from a Local
Keep your tank healthy, your PIN handy, and your eyes on the labels, not the nozzle colors. Most visitors are surprised by how easy and fast refueling is here, especially at unmanned stations. Once you’ve done it once, the rest of your road trip will be on cruise control.