Which petrol should you use in Finland, 95E10 or 98E5?
The two petrol grades at Finnish pumps.
Short answer
Finnish pumps sell two main petrol grades: 95E10, with an octane rating of at least 95 and up to 10% ethanol, and 98E5, with at least 98 octane and up to 5% ethanol. Moottori says new petrol cars sold in Finland since 2012 can use 95E10 if their octane requirement is 95 or less, and newer cars have the approved grades marked on the fuel flap. If the manufacturer requires more than 95 octane, or the car is not suitable for E10, use 98E5. Verkkouutiset, citing Statistics Finland, says the average price in 2025 was about €1.75 a litre for 95E10 and €1.84 for 98E5.
Why
- 95E10: 95 octane, up to 10% ethanol.
- 98E5: 98 octane, up to 5% ethanol.
- Check the fuel flap marking.
Details
Verkkouutiset says the average gap in 2025 was nine cents a litre, about €4.50 for a 50-litre tank.
Tip
In a rental car, check the fuel flap or the papers before filling up.
What may differ
Moottori notes that 98E5 may suit cars that stand unused for long periods, as it contains less ethanol.
Common misconception
98-octane petrol always gives more power and lower consumption.
What actually happens
Moottori says the benefit only shows in engines designed for it.
People also ask
- Does E10 petrol increase fuel consumption?
- How much does fuel cost in Finland?
- How much have fuel prices risen in Finland?
Sources
- Moottori: When is 98-octane petrol worth it?Checked at:
- Verkkouutiset: Many fill up with 98 petrol unnecessarilyChecked at:
- Neste: Petrol guide (2022)Checked at:
This answer is for reference only. Traffic rules and fees change, so check Traficom, Liikenneturva or the police before you drive.
Transport, roads, car rentalRelated questions
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Do foreign cars need a country sticker in Finland?
The Automobile and Touring Club of Finland says a nationality sign is required on foreign cars in Finland, unless the vehicle is registered in a country that is party to the Geneva or Vienna Road Traffic Convention and carries EU number plates with the country code.
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What colour are motorway and main road signs in Finland?
The Automobile and Touring Club of Finland (Autoliitto) says main roads in Finland have blue direction signs with white text, while motorways have green signs with white text.
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Does E10 petrol increase fuel consumption?
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland tested six used E10-compatible cars from model years 1999–2010 in laboratory conditions in 2011.
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How should you transport a dog in a car in Finland?
Taloustaito, interviewing the Finnish Kennel Club, says that under the Road Traffic Act a dog is treated like a load that must be secured so that it causes no danger, and it may not move freely in the car.

