Kent drivers are facing near-record diesel prices as the average cost climbs to 196.1p per litre, just 3p shy of the all-time high of 199.1p recorded in July 2022. Petrol has also risen to 172.4p per litre, up from 171.9p before the weekend, according to data from the AA.
AA Calls for Fuel Duty Cut Extension
Luke Bosdet, road fuel price spokesman for the AA, highlighted the tax implications of rising prices. "Every 6p increase in the pump price of fuel includes an extra penny in VAT for the Treasury," he said. "Petrol currently averages around 172p a litre, with diesel above 196p. This time last year, they averaged 135p and 142p respectively. The extra 37p on petrol therefore includes a 6p-a-litre boost to VAT receipts, while diesel adds 9p a litre to the tax haul."
The AA is urging the Government to extend and increase the current fuel duty cut, arguing that small businesses and rural diesel users are under the most strain. A 5p-per-litre fuel duty reduction, worth 6p per litre at the pump once VAT is included, is currently in place. Plans to end the cut early next year may be reconsidered due to rising prices.
Concerns Over Retailer Pass-Through
Mr Bosdet also raised concerns about whether any further fuel duty cut would benefit consumers. "The problem the Government and motorists face is how much of any further fuel duty cut would be passed on by fuel retailers, and when," he said. "In August, the CMA heavily criticised the road fuel trade for elevated margins."
Cheapest Diesel in Kent
According to prices collated by PetrolPrices, the following are among the cheapest places to buy diesel in Kent at the moment:
- Unbranded Rye Harbour (Rye Diesel Forecourt) – 18.25 miles away, diesel 193.0p per litre, price updated 23/09/2026.
- PACE Faversham (Woods Garage) – 11.92 miles away, diesel 193.9p per litre, price updated 18/09/2026.
- PACE Bridge Road (Anchor Garage) – 12.22 miles away, diesel 193.9p per litre, price updated 21/09/2026.
- Sainsbury's Whitstable – 18.14 miles away, diesel 193.9p per litre, price updated 23/09/2026.
- Unbranded Heath Road (Boughton Service Station) – 7.82 miles away, diesel 194.9p per litre, price updated 22/09/2026.
- Asda Rainham High Street PFS – 11.63 miles away, diesel 194.9p per litre, price updated 21/09/2026.
- Murco Lower Rainham Road (Berengrave Service Station) – 12.5 miles away, diesel 194.9p per litre, price updated 19/09/2026.
- Texaco Sandhurst (Sandhurst Service Station) – 14.2 miles away, diesel 194.9p per litre, price updated 17/09/2026.
- Asda Gillingham Pier Automat – 15.01 miles away, diesel 194.9p per litre, price updated 23/09/2026.
- Jet Rye (Jempsons Superstore) – 16.1 miles away, diesel 194.9p per litre, price updated 22/09/2026.
Drivers in Kent are encouraged to compare prices locally as diesel continues to hover near record levels, with the AA calling for government action to ease the burden on households and businesses.
