Fuel Types & Quality
Super Unleaded
What is super unleaded petrol?
CheckFuelPrices Editorial
Expert Written • 4 industry sources
Super unleaded is a higher-octane grade of petrol, typically rated at 97–99 RON (Research Octane Number), compared to 95 RON for standard E10 petrol. It is designed to deliver improved performance in engines tuned to benefit from a higher-octane fuel.
What Makes It Different from Standard Petrol
Higher octane rating:
Standard UK petrol is rated at 95 RON, while super unleaded sits at 97–99 RON. A higher octane rating means the fuel is more resistant to knocking (pre-ignition), which can damage engines under high loads.
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Lower ethanol content:
Standard petrol in the UK is E10, meaning it contains up to 10% ethanol. Most super unleaded grades are E5, containing no more than 5% ethanol, which is relevant for owners of older or classic vehicles incompatible with E10.
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Enhanced additive packages:
Super unleaded fuels from branded suppliers — such as Shell V-Power, BP Ultimate, and Esso Synergy Supreme+ — typically include proprietary cleaning and protective additives beyond the legal minimum.
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Who Benefits from Super Unleaded
High-performance engines:
Cars with turbocharged or high-compression engines are often designed to run optimally on 97+ RON fuel. Using super unleaded in these vehicles can unlock the performance the manufacturer intended.
Classic and older vehicles:
Because most super unleaded is E5 rather than E10, it is the recommended fuel for vehicles built before 2002 that may not be compatible with higher ethanol blends.
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Everyday drivers see limited benefit:
For standard modern engines calibrated for 95 RON, super unleaded provides little measurable gain in economy or performance. The benefit is most pronounced in engines specifically engineered for it.
Cost and Availability
Typically 10–15p more per litre:
Super unleaded commands a premium over standard petrol. The exact difference varies by station and region, so prices are worth checking before you fill up.
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Not available everywhere:
Super unleaded is stocked at most branded forecourts — Shell, BP, Esso, Texaco — but is less commonly found at supermarket stations. Availability varies by location.
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Find the cheapest near you:
CheckFuelPrices shows live super unleaded prices at stations across the UK, updated every 30 minutes from CMA government data, so you can compare before you drive.
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Sources
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