Turks complain that Turkey has the highest motor fuel prices in the world, but there are ways to reduce your fuel costs on your trip to Turkey.
Fuel stations (benzinci) in Turkey sell the following motor fuels (akaryakıt) for cars:
Gasoline/Petrol (benzin)
Unleaded gasoline/petrol (kurşunsuz benzin) is sold at all fuel stations, usually with a choice of two octane grades. Here are some estimates of its cost.
Diesel Fuel (dizel, mazot)
Dizel, or mazot, is sold at most fuel stations for use in Diesel-engine cars, trucks and buses.
Most fuel stations also sell euro-dizel (ultra low sulfur diesel fuel, sometimes called “clean diesel,” “ULSD” or “DERV”). If you rent a car that uses euro-diesel fuel, instead of normal diesel fuel or gasoline/petrol, your fuel consumption will be lower, and so will your fuel costs.
In fact, the very best way to lower your overall car-rental costs is to rent a high-fuel-efficiency euro-diesel car.
Euro-diesel vehicles have specially-shaped fuel tank inlets that only accept matching euro-diesel nozzles. Normal diesel nozzles and gasoline/petrol nozzles do not fit. If a fuel station attendant has difficulty inserting the fuel pump nozzle into your car, the fuel pump probably does not dispense euro-diesel, and you should find a pump that does. Here are some estimates of its cost.
Avoid Istanbul traffic if you can.
Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)
All Istanbul taxis, and some other cars in Turkey are fitted to use liquified natural gas instead of gasoline/petrol or diesel fuel. This usually means that the vehicle must carry a large, heavy LNG tank in its trunk/boot, leaving much less room for baggage.
LNG is not sold at all fuel stations, but it is not difficult to find a station that sells it.
Fuel Stations
At a fuel station (usually called benzinci, “gasoline-man”), an attendant will fill your tank (no self service), no matter which fuel you choose. In some stations, you pay the attendant directly for the fuel. In others, you go inside and pay a cashier. The cashier gives you two receipts, one of which you give to the attendant outside before leaving the station, to demonstrate that you have paid.
If some other service is performed, such as cleaning your windscreen, checking the oil, putting air in a tire, etc., you may want to offer a small tip. It’s up to you.
Many fuel stations have “markets” selling snacks and drinks, and some have car-wash facilities as well. If there is no automated car wash, you can usually haggle with an attendant to clean your car (outside, inside, or both) for a reasonable sum.
—by Tom Brosnahan
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