Petrol Stations in North Macedonia: Fuel Prices, Locations & Tips

Finding fuel in North Macedonia is straightforward, but knowing where stations are, what prices to expect, and how to pay will save you time and money on your road trip.

Fuel Prices in North Macedonia (2026)

North Macedonia has some of the most competitive fuel prices in Southeast Europe. As of early 2026:

• Euro 95 (unleaded): approximately €1.30–1.40 per litre
• Euro 98 (premium): approximately €1.40–1.50 per litre
• Diesel (Eurodizel): approximately €1.25–1.35 per litre
• LPG (Autogas): approximately €0.60–0.70 per litre

Prices are regulated by the government and adjusted every two weeks. This means prices are consistent across all stations on the same day — there is no need to shop around.

Major Petrol Station Chains

Makpetrol

The largest domestic chain with over 100 stations across the country. Found in every city and on all major highways. Accepts credit cards at most locations.

OKTA (Hellenic Petroleum)

Second largest network. Clean facilities, well-maintained. Commonly found on the Skopje–Ohrid corridor and main highways.

Lukoil

Russian-owned chain with modern stations. Popular along the M1 motorway between Skopje and the Greek border.

Shell & OMV

International brands with fewer but premium stations, mainly in Skopje and along the E65 highway.

Where to Find Stations

Skopje Area

Stations are plentiful in the capital — you will find one every few kilometres along the ring road and all major exits. The airport road (A1) has multiple options.

Skopje to Ohrid (A2/E65)

This 170 km route has stations approximately every 20–30 km. Key stops:

• Tetovo (multiple stations at the city bypass)
• Gostivar (before entering the mountain section)
• Kičevo (last reliable stop before the Ohrid descent)
• Struga (entering the Lake Ohrid area)

Ohrid Area

Several stations along the main road entering Ohrid from Struga, plus stations in the town centre.

Mountain Routes

When driving to Mavrovo National Park or Pelister, fill up before leaving the main road. Mountain areas have fewer stations and some close early.

Payment Methods

• Cash (MKD or EUR): Accepted everywhere. Denars are preferred; euros may be accepted at larger stations but change is given in denars.
• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted at Makpetrol, OKTA, and Shell stations. Smaller rural stations may be cash-only.
• Contactless Payment: Available at newer stations in Skopje and Ohrid.

Fuel Policy for Rental Cars

At Relax Rent a Car, we operate a full-to-full fuel policy. This means:

1. You receive the car with a full tank
2. You return it with a full tank
3. No hidden fuel surcharges

If you return the car with less fuel than received, a refuelling charge of approximately €2.50 per missing litre applies, plus a €15 service fee.

Tip: Fill up at a station near the airport or city centre before returning your rental. The closest station to Skopje Airport is the Makpetrol on the airport road, about 2 km before the terminal.

Tips for Saving on Fuel

1. Diesel is cheapest — if your rental is diesel, you are already saving roughly 10% compared to petrol
2. LPG is half the price — but few rental cars use it
3. Avoid premium fuel — Euro 95 is perfectly fine for all our rental vehicles
4. Drive steadily — North Macedonia's speed limits (50 km/h urban, 80–130 km/h highway) are designed for efficiency
5. Fill up before mountain passes — the Kičevo–Ohrid road climbs significantly and uses more fuel

Self-Service vs Full-Service

Most stations in North Macedonia offer full service — an attendant will fill your tank. Simply tell them how much fuel you want ("full" or a specific amount in denars/euros). Tipping is not expected but appreciated.

Self-service pumps are available at some newer stations, particularly in Skopje.

Emergency: Running Low on Fuel

If you are running low in a remote area:

• Call our 24/7 roadside assistance at +389 71 392 488
• We can arrange fuel delivery or direct you to the nearest station
• Google Maps shows most petrol stations accurately — search "бензинска" (benzinska)

Fuel Cost Calculator: What Will Your Trip Cost?

Here are estimated fuel costs for the most popular routes, based on an economy car (6 litres/100 km) at €1.35/litre:

Even for a full 7-day tour of North Macedonia, fuel costs remain well under €120 return. This compares favourably to Western Europe, where the same distance would cost €180–220.

Stations Near Ohrid Airport (OHD)

Ohrid Airport (near Struga) has no on-site fuel. The nearest stations are:

• Struga town centre — 3 km from the airport, multiple options
• Ohrid road — fill up after turning right from the airport

If you are collecting a rental at Ohrid Airport, we recommend filling up in Struga before proceeding to your hotel. See the Ohrid Airport rental guide for full pickup details.

Electric Vehicle Charging in North Macedonia

North Macedonia is early-stage for EV infrastructure. As of 2026, macedoni_site charging is available in Skopje and a handful of tourist areas but is not yet reliable for cross-country travel.

Current Charging Availability

• Skopje: Several AC charging points at City Park shopping centre, GTC mall, and some hotels in the city centre. Fast DC chargers at the Petrol station network on the ring road.
• Ohrid: 2–3 AC charging points at the main waterfront hotels; no rapid chargers
• Bitola, Tetovo, Gostivar: Occasional hotel charging, not reliable for travel planning
• Motorways: No dedicated motorway chargers as of 2026 — plan around destination charging

Our Fleet and EV

Our rental fleet is currently all petrol and diesel. We do not offer EV rentals at this stage. If you are considering an EV road trip through the Western Balkans, North Macedonia's infrastructure is improving but plan conservatively — assume 150–200 km range between reliable charge points.

EV infrastructure is expected to grow significantly by 2027–2028 as EU accession requirements drive investment. For 2026, a petrol or diesel rental remains the practical choice for touring the country.

Seasonal Notes

Summer (June–August): Stations are busy, especially on the Skopje–Ohrid corridor. Expect queues at major stations on Friday afternoons as locals head to the lake. Fill up in the morning or at off-peak times.

Winter (November–March): Mountain stations may have shorter opening hours. The Galičica National Park road between Ohrid and Resen can be closed in heavy snow. Check conditions before attempting mountain crossings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fuel does a rental car use in North Macedonia? Most economy and compact rental cars use Eurosuper 95 (unleaded petrol). Diesel vehicles are available and use Eurodiesel. Check the fuel type label inside the fuel cap before filling — misfuelling is expensive to repair. Relax Rent a Car vehicles have the fuel type clearly marked on the dashboard.

Can I pay by card at petrol stations in North Macedonia? Yes — all Makpetrol, Lukoil, and OKTA stations accept Visa and Mastercard. Smaller independent stations may be cash-only. On motorways, card payment is universally accepted. If you are in a rural area, carry 500–1,000 MKD cash as a backup.

Is fuel cheaper in North Macedonia than neighbouring countries? Yes — fuel is notably cheaper than in Greece and much cheaper than Western Europe. North Macedonia has historically kept fuel prices competitive due to lower taxes. Prices are set by the Energy Regulatory Commission weekly and tend to track crude oil prices with a 1–2 week lag.

Are there 24/7 petrol stations on the Skopje–Ohrid route? Yes. The OKTA and Makpetrol stations on the A1 near Veles and on the A2 near Gostivar operate 24 hours. Between Gostivar and Kičevo the options are limited — fill up before entering the mountain section if you are travelling at night.

What should I do if I run out of fuel? Call 196 (roadside assistance). They can bring a small amount of fuel to get you to the nearest station. Avoid running below a quarter tank in rural mountain areas where stations can be 40–60 km apart.

Planning a road trip across North Macedonia? Browse our vehicles and book online for the 10% discount — all rentals include unlimited mileage.

Related: Driving in North Macedonia — essential guide | 10 tips to save money on your rental | North Macedonia road trip guide