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PhrasesAt the Petrol StationQuanto costa al litro la benzina?
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Quanto costa al litro la benzina?

How much is petrol per litre?

Pronunciation

'Litro' — 'LI-tro'. Two syllables; stress on the first. 'Al litro' means 'per litre'.

When to use it

Ask when the price display is unclear, or to compare prices between two nearby stations before committing.

What it means

'Quanto costa al litro' uses the preposition 'al' (a + il) before 'litro'. 'La benzina' is petrol. In Italy, fuel prices are displayed on large boards at the entrance to every station — this question is more often rhetorical.

Variations

Il diesel è più caro della benzina?

Is diesel more expensive than petrol?

Comparative question about fuel prices.

Il prezzo è quello sul cartellone?

Is the price what's on the sign?

Confirms that the board price is accurate.

C'è la tessera fedeltà per lo sconto?

Is there a loyalty card for a discount?

Asks about discount schemes common at major Italian fuel chains.

Mini Dialogue

— Quanto costa al litro la benzina? — Un euro e ottantadue al self, un euro e novantadue al servito. — Metto al self allora. — Corsia tre, a sinistra.

— How much is petrol per litre? — One euro eighty-two self-service, one euro ninety-two attended. — I'll use self-service then. — Lane three, on the left.

Cultural Note

Italian fuel prices are among the highest in Europe due to heavy excise taxes. Prices at motorway ('autostrada') service stations are significantly higher than at roadside stations. Always fill up before entering a motorway if possible.