Fuel & Petrol Stations in Morocco

There are informal fuel sellers in desert villages — you will spot hand-painted signs and plastic jerricans near Merzouga and Mhamid — but these are not formal stations and supply is unreliable. Fuel is dispensed from drums, quality can vary, and prices are typically 10–15% above pump price. The last reliable branded stations before Erg Chebbi are in Rissani and Erfoud. For Erg Chigaga and the Mhamid piste, Zagora is your final safe fill-up. Planning your fuel around these towns eliminates any desert anxiety.

It depends on the station, and even at stations with card terminals, the machine is sometimes out of order or only processes Moroccan bank cards. The safest approach is to always carry enough dirhams to cover a full tank. Afriquia and Total stations on the major routes (N9, N10, A7) are most likely to have functioning card readers, but even there, expect to pay cash at least 40–50% of the time. Outside the main cities and major highways, assume cash only. ATMs in Ouarzazate, Zagora and Rissani let you withdraw before you venture further south.

As of 2025–2026, indicative pump prices sit around 13–15 MAD per litre for super sans plomb (95 unleaded) and 11–13 MAD per litre for gasoil (diesel). Prices are set by the government and vary little between branded stations, though informal desert sellers charge a premium. At those rates, filling a 60-litre tank costs roughly 780–900 MAD ($77–$89). Diesel vehicles are considerably cheaper to run, which is why most Moroccan 4x4 hire cars and minivans run on gasoil.

Yes, noticeably. Moroccan fuel prices are roughly 20–35% lower than the UK or France and around 15–25% lower than Spain, partly because Morocco subsidises domestic fuel costs. Diesel (gasoil) is especially affordable and is the dominant fuel used by rental 4x4s, tour minivans, and long-distance coaches. If you are renting a car, choosing a diesel vehicle will meaningfully reduce running costs over a road trip of 1,000+ km.

The last reliable branded petrol station before the dunes of Erg Chebbi is in Rissani, about 20 km from Merzouga village. There is also a well-stocked Afriquia in Erfoud, 27 km further north on the same road. If you are approaching from the west via Tinghir and the N10, Tinejdad has a small station — top up there as a precaution. Do not assume Merzouga itself will save you; the informal pump there is not always operating.

The majority of 4x4s, minivans, and SUVs available for rent in Morocco run on gasoil (diesel). Economy city cars are more likely to be petrol (essence). When you pick up the car, confirm the fuel type with the rental agent — the filler cap label is usually in Arabic and French. Misfuelling is expensive and takes days to sort out in a remote area. If in doubt, a small sticker on the dashboard near the fuel gauge, or the rental agreement itself, should specify.

Most rental agreements explicitly prohibit carrying spare fuel inside the vehicle due to fire risk. If you are self-driving into seriously remote areas — pistes toward Erg Chigaga or the Draa valley beyond Mhamid — raise this with your rental agency in advance. Some operators allow a properly sealed 5-litre metal jerrycan in the boot with written consent. A better solution is to hire a local driver-guide for off-piste sections: they know the fuel stops and carry spares legitimately.