Refuelling Fee
A refuelling fee is what the rental company charges to top the tank back up when you return the car with less fuel than the policy requires. On a full-to-full deal, bringing it back half empty means they fill it for you — and bill you for both the fuel and the effort.
The sting is the service component. Agencies typically charge a per-litre rate well above the pump price, plus a fixed handling fee, so a missing quarter tank can cost noticeably more than it would have at a petrol station.
Avoiding it is entirely in your hands: fill up shortly before drop-off and keep the receipt. The only times it makes sense to accept it are genuine emergencies — a closed station, no time before a flight.
If you are charged one you believe is wrong, your pickup photo of the fuel gauge and your refuelling receipt are the evidence that settles it.
Related terms
Fuel Policy
The rule that decides how much fuel should be in the car at pickup and return — and who pays for the difference.
Full-to-Full
The fairest fuel policy: collect the car with a full tank and return it full, paying only for what you use.
Fuel Deposit
A pre-charge for a tank of fuel under a prepaid policy, refunded or not depending on how you return the car.