Petrol Stations in North Macedonia: Fuel Guide for Rental Car Drivers

Fuel is cheap in North Macedonia compared to Western Europe, and petrol stations are plentiful on major routes. But if you are driving mountain passes or visiting remote areas, knowing where to fill up in advance makes a real difference. This guide covers everything you need to know about fuelling a rental car in North Macedonia.

Fuel Prices in North Macedonia (2026)

North Macedonia's fuel prices are regulated and updated weekly by the government. Current approximate prices:

Prices are significantly lower than in Western Europe and comparable to Serbia and Bulgaria. Filling a 50-litre tank costs approximately €57–63 for petrol — roughly 30–40% less than in Germany or Austria.

Fuel Types: Which Does Your Rental Car Use?

Before you arrive at the pump, check your rental agreement or ask at pickup:

• Petrol (Benzin) — most economy and compact cars in our fleet
• Diesel (Dizel) — SUVs and vans, including the Dacia Duster 4x4
• Never mix fuels — misfuelling is not covered by standard CDW insurance

When in doubt, the fuel type is printed on the fuel cap and listed in the vehicle handbook in the glovebox.

Main Petrol Station Brands

Makpetrol

The dominant Macedonian brand with the widest coverage across the country. Stations are clean, well-maintained, and accept Visa/Mastercard. You will find Makpetrol on every major highway and in most towns. Recommended as primary option.

Lukoil

Russian brand with strong presence on the Skopje–Ohrid corridor (A1/A2 motorway) and around Skopje. Quality is consistent and prices match Makpetrol. Accepts cards.

OKTA / OMV

International brand stations are found near Skopje and border crossings. Slightly higher prices in some locations but reliable quality.

BESA Trans

Smaller local chain, typically 1–3 cents per litre cheaper than Makpetrol. Found mostly in Skopje and Tetovo. Quality is fine but stations are less frequent.

Key Routes: Where to Fill Up

Skopje → Ohrid (A1/A2 Motorway, 167 km)

This is the most-driven route by rental car customers. Fill up before leaving Skopje — stations near the airport and city center have the most competitive prices. On the motorway:

• Petrovec (near airport) — Makpetrol and Lukoil both available
• Gradsko (halfway point) — motorway service area with Makpetrol
• Kičevo junction — last major stop before the mountain section
• Ohrid — several stations in the city, including Makpetrol on the main approach road

Tip: The stretch from Kičevo to Ohrid via the Struga road has fewer stations. Do not let your tank drop below a quarter before Kičevo.

Skopje → Mavrovo (via Tetovo, ~95 km)

• Fill up in Tetovo — several Makpetrol and Lukoil stations in the city centre
• The road from Tetovo into Mavrovo National Park has one station at Mavrovo village — prices can be slightly higher
• The ski resort area (Zare Lazarevski) has no petrol stations

Skopje → Bitola (via Veles and Negotino, ~174 km)

• Veles — multiple stations on the main through road
• Negotino / Demir Kapija — motorway services
• Bitola — well-served city, all major brands available

Border Crossings

Fuel just inside North Macedonia at border crossings is typically 5–10% cheaper than just across the border in Greece, Serbia, or Kosovo. If you are entering from Greece via Bogorodica, there is a Makpetrol station within 2 km of the crossing.

Payment at Macedonian Petrol Stations

• Credit/debit cards accepted at all major branded stations (Visa, Mastercard)
• Cash (MKD) accepted everywhere — useful at smaller independent stations
• Cash (EUR) accepted at some stations near tourist areas and borders, but do not count on it
• Apple Pay / Google Pay — available at newer Makpetrol and OMV stations in Skopje

ATMs are available at larger Makpetrol stations in cities. If you are heading into a remote area, carry some MKD cash as backup.

Fuel Policy for Your Rental Car

All Relax Rent a Car vehicles operate on a full-to-full fuel policy:

1. You receive the car with a full tank
2. You return it with a full tank
3. No pre-purchase fuel option — you pay for what you use at market rates

There are no refuelling charges if you return the car full. If you return with less than a full tank, we charge for the missing fuel at the current pump price plus a small service fee. Filling up at a station within 5 km of the return point before handover is the easiest approach.

Tips for Driving in Remote Areas

• Mountain passes (Galicica, Mavrovo road, Stража pass) — fill up before entering. Stations are sparse or non-existent on the pass itself.
• National park interiors — Mavrovo and Pelister national parks have extremely limited fuelling options inside the park boundaries.
• Evening hours — most small-town stations close at 21:00 or 22:00. In Skopje, major branded stations operate 24/7.
• Sundays — smaller independent stations may be closed in rural areas. Makpetrol and Lukoil are reliably open 7 days.

Fuel Efficiency: What to Expect

Typical fuel consumption for our fleet vehicles on Macedonian roads:

The Skopje–Ohrid motorway drive uses approximately 10–12 litres in an economy car. Budget €13–15 for fuel for the one-way journey.

Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicle charging infrastructure in North Macedonia is still developing. As of 2026, EV charging is available at select locations in Skopje city centre and near the Skopje Airport. Our current fleet does not include electric vehicles, but hybrid options may be available — ask at booking.

Also useful: Driving in North Macedonia: Complete Guide · North Macedonia Border Crossing by Car · Diesel vs Petrol: Which Rental to Choose · Weekend Road Trip: Skopje to Ohrid

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