Fuel NearbyWhat 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 162.4p per litre across 3,752 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, 75% of the 5,000 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 20 March 2026. Prices from official retailer feeds.
| # | Brand | Address | Price | £/Litre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MAXOL | 772, FEENY ROAD, DUNGIVEN, LONDONDERRY, BT47 4TB, LONDONDERRY | 125.9p | £1.26 |
| 2 | GULF | KNOWLE GARAGE, KNOWLE, BRAUNTON, DEVON | 128.9p | £1.29 |
| 3 | BP RJ CROSS | LONDIS SUPERMARKET, 206, BANK STREET, COATBRIDGE, ML5 1EG, COATBRIDGE | 129.9p | £1.30 |
| 4 | CENTRAL CONVENIENCE | HARCOMBE CROSS, NEWTON ABBOT | 130.9p | £1.31 |
| 5 | BP COLINSBURGH | COLINSBURGH SERVICE STATION, 15, MAIN STREET, COLINSBURGH, LEVEN, KY9 1LP, LEVEN | 132.9p | £1.33 |
| 6 | ESSO | JET, 106, GATEFORD ROAD, WORKSOP, S80 1UE, WORKSOP | 134.9p | £1.35 |
| 7 | PERRY & JORDAN GLOUCESTER LTD | PERRY & JORDAN LTD, MERCIA ROAD, GLOUCESTER, GL1 2SQ, GLOUCESTER | 134.9p | £1.35 |
| 8 | BURRA MOTOR REPAIRS LIMITED | BURRA MOTOR REPAIRS LTD, HAMNAVOE, SHETLAND, ZE2 9LB, SHETLAND | 135.0p | £1.35 |
| 9 | GLEANER | ROYAL MAIL, BALLINDALLOCH DELIVERY OFFICE, BALLINDALLOCH, AB37 9AS, BALLINDALLOCH | 135.9p | £1.36 |
| 10 | ESSAR | MELTON RD, OAKHAM | 136.9p | £1.37 |
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 18.1p 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 125.9p per litre at MAXOL, 772, FEENY ROAD, DUNGIVEN, LONDONDERRY, BT47 4TB, LONDONDERRY. The UK average is 162.4p.
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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