The Fuel Store Card
Diesel Fuel Cards vs Petrol Fuel Cards: What is the Difference for Businesses
A quick guide for business owners and fleet managers
Posted on 14th January 2026 at 4:00 pm
Need a fuel card for your business? Here's the good news: you probably don't need separate cards for diesel and petrol. Most modern fuel cards handle both fuel types seamlessly.
The real question isn't diesel vs petrol cards. It's finding the right pricing, network coverage and features for your specific fleet mix. In this guide, we'll explain how fuel cards handle different fuel types, when specific cards make sense, and what to consider based on your vehicles.
Differences in usage and pricing
Most modern fuel cards aren’t restricted to either diesel or petrol. They work for both fuel types at participating stations. However, there are still important differences in how diesel and petrol purchases are handled and priced.
Fuel type flexibility is standard with most business fuel cards from The Fuel Store. When a driver fills up, the pump recognises whether they're selecting diesel or unleaded petrol, and the card processes the appropriate fuel type. You don't need separate physical cards for different fuels in most cases.
Price per litre varies constantly between diesel and petrol. The Fuel Store Portal shows you the exact price paid for each fuel type in every transaction, making it easy to track spending on diesel versus petrol separately.
Fleet types suited to each fuel
The composition of your fleet determines whether you're primarily concerned with diesel fuel cards, petrol fuel cards or a mixed fuel approach.
Diesel fleets are common for businesses operating vans, lorries or high mileage vehicles. Diesel engines typically offer better fuel economy for commercial vehicles and long distance driving. If your fleet is predominantly or entirely diesel, you'll want to ensure your fuel card offers competitive diesel pricing and appropriate network coverage.
Diesel fleets operating vans, HGVs or high mileage commercial vehicles often require access to suitable refuelling facilities, competitive diesel pricing and reliable coverage on key routes.
For fleets operating larger vehicles or travelling long distances, fuel cards that support commercial diesel pricing and HGV friendly facilities are usually the most suitable option. The right choice depends on where vehicles operate, how they refuel and what facilities are required day to day.
Petrol fleets are more common for businesses using smaller cars, particularly for sales representatives, consultants or service businesses where vehicles don't carry heavy loads. Petrol engines can be more economical for lower annual mileages and urban driving patterns.
If your fleet operates in urban areas with shorter journeys, petrol vehicles might be more cost effective. The Shell Fleet Card offers fixed weekly pricing on petrol, giving you budget certainty for car fleets operating across Shell's extensive UK network.
Mixed fleets using both diesel and petrol vehicles are increasingly common. Many businesses operate diesel vans for deliveries alongside petrol cars for sales teams or service staff.
For mixed fleets, the priority is a fuel card solution that offers balanced pricing, reporting and visibility across both diesel and petrol, rather than being optimised for a single fuel type. The most suitable option depends on where vehicles operate, how often they refuel and whether price certainty or network flexibility is more important.
Future considerations include the growing number of hybrid vehicles that use petrol, and electric vehicles that require charging rather than traditional fuel. The Fuel Store offers Paua EV Charge Card for businesses transitioning to electric fleets. The flexibility to manage different energy types within your portal becomes more valuable as fleets evolve.
Network availability for different fuels
When considering fuel cards for fleets, network coverage matters, and there are some subtle differences in how diesel and petrol availability affects your choice.
1.
Universal availability of both diesel and petrol at most UK fuel stations means network coverage isn’t usually differentiated by fuel type. Any major forecourt will offer both. However, there are occasional considerations worth noting.
2.
Motorway services always carry both diesel and petrol, making them reliable refuelling points for any vehicle type. The majority of our fuel cards provide extensive motorway coverage for both fuel types.
3.
Supermarket forecourts typically offer both fuels with competitive pricing. fuelGenie works specifically at supermarket locations including Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s, giving your drivers access to both diesel and petrol at these sites.
4.
HGV facilities at motorway services cater specifically to diesel commercial vehicles, with higher flow pumps and layouts designed for larger vehicles. These facilities are particularly important for fleets operating HGVs, coaches or larger LCVs that refuel regularly on motorways.
5.
Rural stations occasionally have more limited fuel options, though this is uncommon in most parts of the UK. For businesses operating in rural or remote areas, ensuring reliable fuel station coverage along regular routes is an important consideration.
6.
Premium fuels are available at selected forecourts across the UK. Businesses that operate performance vehicles or choose premium fuels for operational reasons should ensure their fuel card is accepted at stations offering these fuel grades.
7.
The Station Finder Tool in The Fuel Store Portal help drivers locate participating stations offering their required fuel type along their routes, whether that’s diesel, petrol or both.
Choosing the right option for your fleet
Selecting between a diesel fuel card, petrol fuel card pricing or mixed fuel flexibility depends on your specific circumstances.
Assess your current fleet by listing what vehicles you operate and what fuel each uses. If you're 100% diesel or 100% petrol, you can prioritise pricing and network features for that specific fuel when comparing options through The Fuel Store. If you're mixed, you need balanced pricing and reporting on both.
Compare pricing structures specifically for the fuel types you use most. Savings vary by card type, network and usage, but fuel cards can help businesses reduce costs through fixed weekly pricing and access to competitive commercial rates.
Factor in payment terms and whether these differ for diesel versus petrol purchases. Generally, they don't. The Fuel Store's payment terms apply consistently regardless of fuel type purchased.
Consider future fleet plans when making your choice. If you're planning to add vehicles or change your fleet composition, choose a fuel card that's flexible enough to accommodate different fuel types.
Think about vehicle allocation and whether different drivers need different capabilities. With most fuel cards from The Fuel Store, you can issue cards that work for both fuel types, so individual drivers don't need to worry about having the right card for their vehicle.
Consider your operational needs like HGV facilities for diesel vehicles or extensive urban coverage for petrol cars.
Here's the bottom line: diesel vs petrol isn't about different physical cards. It's about finding the right pricing, network coverage and features for your specific fleet mix.
The important thing is comparing the actual pricing, network and features offered by different options for the specific mix of diesel and petrol your business uses. This ensures you get the best value regardless of your fleet composition.
Our expert Fuellers can show you which fuel card options offer the best pricing and coverage for your specific mix of diesel and petrol vehicles. We'll provide detailed comparisons and help you find a solution matched to your fleet's fuel usage.
Whether you operate cars, vans, HGVs or coaches, there's an option that fits.
Get the Right Card for Your Fleet
Operating diesel, petrol or both? Our Fuellers can help you choose what actually fits your operation and keeps your business moving efficiently.
Frequently asked questions
Can one fuel card be used for both diesel and petrol vehicles?
Yes, virtually all fuel cards from The Fuel Store work for both diesel and petrol. You don't need separate cards for different fuel types. The card processes whichever fuel the driver selects at the pump, and your portal shows the fuel type for each transaction.
Do diesel and petrol purchases appear separately on fuel card statements?
Yes, statements in The Fuel Store Portal clearly identify which fuel type was purchased in each transaction. This allows you to track diesel and petrol spending separately, analyse consumption by vehicle type and understand your costs for different parts of your fleet.
Is pricing different for diesel and petrol on fuel cards?
Yes, diesel and petrol have different market prices and fuel cards reflect this.
Can I restrict certain cards to diesel only or petrol only?
Most fuel cards don't offer fuel type restrictions as this is rarely necessary. Drivers simply select the appropriate fuel for their vehicle.