The average price of a litre of petrol in the UK has surpassed 170p, reaching the highest level since the peak of the Iran conflict, with filling a typical family car now costing around £94. According to the latest data, the national average for unleaded petrol stands at 170.54p per litre, a figure not seen since 23 August 2022.
For a standard 55-litre tank, drivers are now paying approximately £94, while diesel owners face an average of just over 190p per litre. In many locations, prices are significantly higher, with some forecourts charging more than £2 per litre for diesel.
Regional price disparities create postcode lottery
Fuel costs vary dramatically across the country, creating what has been described as a postcode lottery for drivers. Maidstone in Kent currently has the highest average price for unleaded petrol in the UK this week at 175.2p per litre. That is 20p per litre more than what motorists pay in parts of Northern Ireland and 15p per litre above the typical rate in Watford.
Even the lowest prices offered by supermarkets fluctuate considerably nationwide, according to the latest figures from Fuel Finder. The data reveals that no fewer than 200 petrol stations are currently charging 181p or more per litre of standard E10 unleaded, meaning filling up a typical family car at these forecourts would exceed the £100 mark.
Diesel prices breach £2 at some forecourts
Diesel vehicle owners are facing particularly steep costs, with numerous forecourts nationwide witnessing standard diesel prices breach the £2-per-litre threshold during the past week. At BP motorway services, diesel has reached 215p per litre, while a petrol station on the M61 motorway near Bolton is charging 195.9p per litre of standard unleaded – among the steepest rates in the country.
The rising prices are attributed to uncertainty in the Middle East, which has driven up global oil costs. Drivers can locate the most affordable petrol and diesel available in their area using an interactive postcode checker map provided by MyLondon.
RAC warns prices set to keep rising
Simon Williams, RAC head of policy, highlighted the rapid escalation in costs: "Since the start of this month, the cost of filling a family car has already risen by almost £5, to £94 for petrol and £106 for diesel. Average pump prices have jumped by yet another penny in just a day."
Williams added: "Petrol has now broken through the £1.70-a-litre barrier and stands at 170.54p – its highest since 23 August 2022. Unfortunately for hard-pressed drivers, prices look set to keep on rising."
The continued upward trend in fuel prices is expected to place further financial pressure on households and businesses reliant on road transport in the coming weeks.
