Petrol Refuelling: Is Morning or Evening the Best Time to Fill Your Tank?

A common claim about petrol refuelling suggests that filling the tank early in the morning or in the evening can help motorists get more fuel because temperatures are lower. This belief has also gained attention on social media, particularly amid recent discussions around changing fuel prices.

But does the time of day actually make a noticeable difference to the quantity of petrol you receive? The answer is largely no.

Does Temperature Affect the Quantity of Petrol?

Petrol is generally stored in underground tanks at fuel stations. Because the fuel is kept below ground, its temperature does not change significantly with fluctuations in the outside weather.

As a result, the effect of temperature on petrol’s density and volume at the time of refuelling is very small. Any difference caused by temperature variations is so minor that it does not provide a meaningful financial benefit to consumers.

Therefore, choosing to fill petrol in the morning or evening does not substantially increase the amount of fuel dispensed by the petrol pump.

Petrol and CNG Are Different

The idea of temperature-based refuelling is more relevant when discussing CNG. CNG is a gas and its characteristics can be affected more noticeably by changes in temperature.

Petrol, on the other hand, is a liquid and is considerably less affected by normal daily temperature fluctuations. This is why the commonly discussed advantage of filling fuel during cooler hours does not apply to petrol in any significant way.

For motorists, there is consequently no particular time of day that offers a meaningful saving simply because of the temperature.

Is Morning the Best Time to Refuel?

There is no significant financial advantage to filling petrol in the morning instead of later in the day. However, motorists may find fuel stations less crowded during certain morning hours, which can make the refuelling process more convenient and quicker.

Petrol and Diesel Prices on October 7

Petrol and diesel prices remained unchanged across major cities on October 7, continuing the same trend seen since June.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general informational purposes and is based on the fuel prices and information provided for October 7. Petrol and diesel prices may vary by location and can change based on applicable revisions. Readers should check the latest rates at their local fuel station before refuelling.