Costa Blanca
In Spain, the number of cheap petrol stations is growing

The most recent report from the National Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC) claims that flagship stations—those who enter into an exclusivity agreement with a fuel distributor—continue to suffer as independent service facilities expand. There are 12,631 operational establishments on Spanish territory, according to data from this entity as of December 31, 2024. This is 96 more points of sale than the previous year. However, the majority of them are self-sufficient.
More and less expensive petrol stations
According to the report released by this organisation on February 27th, 2025, independent gas stations accounted for “just over 45% of the network” of gas stations in 2024. The CNMC emphasises “the continuous increase in the networks of Plenergy , Petroprix and Ballenoil (acquired by Cepsa-Moeve while retaining its brand)” . The report notes that these three independent brands’ installations resulted in a corresponding increase in their number of points of sale of 291, 280, and 159.
According to data, these numbers are in contrast to those from 2009, when independent petrol stations made up 28% and the three major operators (BP, Repsol, and Moeve) 55%.
Additionally, these independent brands were used by the service stations that reported a reduced price in 2024. Vilafranca del Penedès (Barcelona)’s Plenergy station had the lowest price for 95 gasoline, “followed by two with the Bonarea label in Olesa de Montserrat (Barcelona) and Castellgalí (Barcelona)”. However, two petrol stations with the Ballenoil label in Morón de la Frontera (Seville) and Torrevieja (Alicante) had the lowest prices for A diesel. These were followed by one with the Petroprix label in Gijón (Asturias) and another with the Plenergy label in Villareal (Castellón).
Additionally, the newsletter provides additional details about Spanish petrol stations. For instance, 14.3% of the network is made up of “unattended or partially unattended” petrol stations.
Less than 25%, between 25% and 50%, and between 50% and 75% of opening hours are partially unattended, while the bulk of this percentage are entirely unattended, meaning that over 75% of operating hours are unattended. In comparison to 2023, there are now 1,799 stations that fit these criteria, which is 338 higher than the previous year.
Despite the promotion of electric automobiles, which hardly increased their sales in 2024, the CNMC also noted that “demand for 95-octane petrol and diesel A was 2.0% higher than in 2023.”
Discover more from Costa Blanca Daily
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Costa Blanca
A British ice cream van seized by Benidorm Local Police

Many people, particularly tourists, are seeking a refreshing treat in the form of ice creams from ‘Mr. Whippy,’ an ice-cream van operating in Benidorm that has now been seized by the local police in the tourist capital for, among other infractions, not having a business licence.
The ice cream van was owned by a Brit, had been in operation for a while, and was eventually seized by the local police near Levante beach, the city’s most popular sandy area. This is similar to what has happened in the past with illegal taxi that offer transfers between Benidorm and the airport.
In the course of the operation, “transport inspection units,” according to police spokesperson Quique Tortosa, “seized an English ice-cream van that was transporting and selling food without authorisation on Levante beach.”
The van was inspected by officials, who discovered “a large quantity of perishable food inside, without any hygiene or sanitary controls.” Tortosa went on to say that “all the merchandise was seized.”
The Benidorm Local Police spokeswoman emphasised that it is “very important to always keep in mind that food products must be purchased from authorised establishments, which are those that comply with the safety standards for their consumption.”
Discover more from Costa Blanca Daily
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Costa Blanca
Police in Alicante tighten speed checks

From yesterday, Tuesday April 1st, the Department of Security of the Alicante City Council began a new campaign to improve the municipality’s speed limit enforcement and surveillance. The programme, which is scheduled to conclude on April 12th, focuses particularly on fast-track and high-density routes, as well as the vicinity of educational institutions and schools.
This campaign, which will be conducted with mobile radars and throughout morning, afternoon, and night shifts, will involve 20 officers from the Local Police’s Traffic Unit and speed control squad. Security Councillor Julio Calero stated that the goal is “to continue improving road safety in the city.”
“It’s proven that calming traffic and reducing speeds help save lives and improve our coexistence and quality of life,” Calero stated, emphasising the significance of “respecting minors in the vicinity of schools and educational centres.”
Several neighbourhood organisations have called for more speed regulation on highways and high-capacity urban routes, and the campaign aims to address their needs. The councillor underlined that “speed reduction significantly lowers the risk of accidents and run-overs.”
On roads with two or more lanes in each direction, the top speed limit in Alicante is 50 km/h. It is lowered to 30 km/h on streets with only one lane in each direction, and to 20 km/h on streets where the pavement and roadway are joined into one platform.
Prior personal mobility vehicle campaign
The March campaign, which aimed to increase awareness of the appropriate usage of personal mobility vehicles (PMVs), such as electric scooters, skates, and skateboards, was followed by this new speed control measure.
The TRAM platform, cycle lanes, bus lanes, pedestrian zones, walkways, and paved streets like the Explanada de España are all off limits to these gadgets, the City Council reminds everyone. Enhancing safety and coexistence in urban areas—which are increasingly shared by bikes, pedestrians, cars, and vehicle-mounted vehicles—is the goal.
Discover more from Costa Blanca Daily
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Costa Blanca
Two men investigated for “sextortion” of 13 men

The Civil Guard is investigating two Santa Cruz de Tenerife individuals who used ads posing as women on dating websites to extort 13 people from Mazarrón (Murcia), Alicante, Albacete, Zaragoza, Guipúzcoa, Málaga, Gerona, and Pontevedra, according to the police.
Operation “Licey,” which began in July of last year, has unearthed a sextortion-focused criminal network and resulted in the investigation of two people who are accused of money laundering, extortion, and criminal group involvement.
The investigation started in Mazarrón after a man claimed to have received threatening calls and messages from someone posing as the head of a brothel and hitmen.
They got 3,000 euros after the Mazarrón victim used a dating site that promoted escorts. They then threatened to publish his online activities and reveal all to those close to him through calls and messages.
After the funds were first moved to a number of bank accounts run by “economic mules,” the Guardia Civil examined the traceability of the funds until the final recipient’s identity was established.
Two Santa Cruz de Tenerife individuals have been identified by the Guardia Civil following months of inquiry as suspected members of a criminal organisation, extortion, and money laundering.
Since Operation “Licey” is still going on, further arrests and victims are possible.
Discover more from Costa Blanca Daily
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
-
Costa Blanca2 weeks ago
Elche is seeking tender for an additional 22,000 plants, shrubs, and flowers from 150 different species
-
Costa Blanca2 weeks ago
Man sought for robbery and fraud in Amsterdam has been caught in Alicante
-
News2 weeks ago
Two arrested in Elda for stealing from restaurants and hostels
-
Costa Blanca2 weeks ago
In Alicante, a criminal group that specialised in robberies at pharmacies and banks has been dismantled
-
Costa Blanca2 weeks ago
Man stole fire extinguishers to sell as scrap metal
-
Costa Blanca2 weeks ago
Elche’s H&M shop closing
-
Costa Blanca2 weeks ago
Torrevieja beach bars placed out to tender, but they won’t open until summer
-
News2 weeks ago
Torrevieja earthquake simulation CANCELLED