Portuguese move to Spain for cheap fuel: 90–95% of customers in Ayamonte are from Portugal

The price difference created by high fuel prices in Portugal at the Spanish border has begun to change the behavior of drivers.

According to RTP's field report in Ayamonte on the Spain-Portugal border, in some Spanish fuel stations close to the border, 90% to 95% of the customers are drivers from Portugal.

Stations on the Portuguese side of the border report losing customers.

Fuel transit from Algarve to Spain

Ayamonte is located in the eastern Algarve, just opposite Vila Real de Santo António.

For this reason, it is geographically possible to go to Spain and buy fuel, especially for drivers living in the east of the Algarve.

With the recent increase in fuel prices in Portugal, the difference between the two countries has become more visible.

At the stations in Ayamonte interviewed by RTP, it is seen that vehicles with Portuguese license plates constitute a significant weight in customer traffic.

It is necessary to read the 90–95% number correctly

This data does not mean that 90% of drivers in Portugal buy fuel from Spain.

The figure relates to the customer profile of some gas stations near the border in Ayamonte.

Therefore, it is not an official statistic representing national consumer behavior.

Despite this, it is a remarkable field data showing how strong the price difference at the border creates an economic incentive.

Stations on the Portuguese side losing

On the other side of the price gap are Portuguese fuel sellers in the border region of the Algarve.

According to RTP, businesses in Portuguese stations close to the border are reporting that sales have dropped significantly.

This situation brings to the agenda once again the impact of fuel taxes in Portugal and the measures taken by the government against fuel prices on the border regions.

Going to Spain may not be economical for every driver

It should also be noted that the price advantage in Ayamonte does not have the same result for drivers living far from Lisboa, Porto or the Spanish border.

Fuel savings need to be calculated together with the fuel and distance spent to travel to and from Spain.

This is therefore of practical importance, especially for those living in the eastern Algarve and border areas.

Resources

RTP — “Combustíveis. Portugueses já são mais de 90% dos clientes em Ayamonte”, 27 September 2026

https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/economia/combustiveis-portugueses-ja-sao-mais-de-90-dos-clientes-em-ayamonte_v1767908