What Is E5 Super Unleaded?
E5 super unleaded is higher-octane petrol with up to 5% ethanol — the go-to fuel for performance cars and older vehicles that aren't E10 compatible. The average price today is 173.7p per litre across 2,007 stations.
E5 Super Unleaded Explained
E5 super unleaded contains up to 5% bioethanol — half the amount found in standard E10 petrol. It's sold at a higher octane rating (typically 97–99 RON vs 95 RON for E10), which means it can deliver more efficient combustion in engines designed for it.
Before September 2021, E5 was the standard grade at UK pumps. Since the switch to E10, E5 has been repositioned as the premium unleaded option, available at most (but not all) filling stations.
When Should You Use E5?
E5 super unleaded is the right choice in these situations:
- Your car isn't E10 compatible — older vehicles (generally pre-2002) may have fuel system components that can be damaged by higher ethanol content
- Your manufacturer recommends 97+ RON — performance, sports, and some imported cars are designed for higher-octane fuel
- You drive a classic or vintage car — E5 is safer for older engines and fuel lines
- You want maximum performance — turbocharged and high-compression engines can benefit from higher octane
For most everyday cars designed for 95 RON, E10 unleaded is perfectly adequate and significantly cheaper.
E5 Availability in the UK
Not every filling station stocks E5 super unleaded. Currently, 26% of the 7,708 stations in our database offer it. Supermarket forecourts sometimes don't carry super unleaded, so it's worth checking before you visit.
You can use FuelNearby's map to filter stations that stock E5 and compare prices in your area.
Cheapest E5 Super Unleaded in the UK Today
Updated 4 May 2026. Prices from official retailer feeds.
| # | Brand | Address | Price | £/Litre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DIMES LONDON | 10 PRIESTLEY HALL, LADY PARK AVENUE, BINGLEY, BD16 4UB, BINGLEY | 100.7p | £1.01 |
| 2 | DERRYCHRIER SERVICES LTD | 772, FEENY ROAD, DUNGIVEN, LONDONDERRY, BT47 4TB, LONDONDERRY | 125.9p | £1.26 |
| 3 | BEEL PROPERTY LTD | KNOWLE GARAGE, KNOWLE, BRAUNTON, DEVON | 128.9p | £1.29 |
| 4 | WILF NOBLE BUILDING SUPPLIES LTD | RUSWARP SERVICE STATION, SNEATON LANE, RUSWARP, WHITBY, YO22 5HL, WHITBY | 130.9p | £1.31 |
| 5 | RATCLIFFE SERVICE STATION ATHERSTONE LTD | 10 ratcliffe road, atherstone | 137.9p | £1.38 |
| 6 | BP | 2, ST. THOMAS ROAD, WIGSTON, LE18 4TA, WIGSTON | 139.9p | £1.40 |
| 7 | BP | RING ROAD SERVICE STATION, OSMASTON PARK ROAD, DERBY, DE23 8WL, DERBY | 139.9p | £1.40 |
| 8 | STRETTON SERVICE STATION | TEXACO SERVICE STATION, 350, LONDON ROAD, STRETTON ON DUNSMORE, RUGBY, CV23 9HX, RUGBY | 141.9p | £1.42 |
| 9 | DIMES - OLD LANE | GLOUCESTER SERVICES, M5 SOUTHBOUND, BROOKTHORPE, GLOUCESTER, GL4 0WW, GLOUCESTER | 142.2p | £1.42 |
| 10 | VE3 | 629 OAK ROAD, EXETERSITE | 142.3p | £1.42 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is E5 super unleaded?
E5 super unleaded is a higher-grade petrol containing up to 5% bioethanol (half the ethanol in E10). It typically has an octane rating of 97–99 RON, compared to 95 RON for standard E10 unleaded.
Is super unleaded worth the extra cost?
Super unleaded costs an average of 16.9p more per litre than E10. For most everyday cars, E10 is perfectly fine and more cost-effective. Super unleaded is worth it if your car requires 97+ RON, isn't E10 compatible, or you drive a performance vehicle.
Which cars need super unleaded?
Cars that aren't E10 compatible (generally pre-2002 models), performance and sports cars that require 97+ RON, and some imported vehicles designed for higher-octane fuel. Check your owner's manual or the government's E10 compatibility checker.
Does super unleaded give better performance?
In cars designed for higher-octane fuel, yes — it can unlock better power output and efficiency. In a standard car designed for 95 RON, the performance difference is negligible and not worth the price premium.
What is the cheapest super unleaded in the UK today?
The cheapest E5 super unleaded right now is 100.7p per litre at DIMES LONDON, 10 PRIESTLEY HALL, LADY PARK AVENUE, BINGLEY, BD16 4UB, BINGLEY. The UK average is 173.7p.
Can I mix E5 and E10?
Yes, you can mix E5 and E10 without any issues. They're both unleaded petrol — E5 simply has less ethanol and a higher octane rating. Mixing won't damage your engine.
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