Latest petrol and diesel fuel prices

***Autumn Statement 2025*** Once again the Chancellor confirmed a freeze in fuel duty, but only until September 2026. From April 2027 Fuel Duty will be gradually increased in line with Retail Prices Index. 

Fuel prices can change quickly due to global events, government policy, and market dynamics. That’s why we’ve created this regularly updated guide, tracking the latest UK fuel prices alongside key statistics and international trends shaping the market.

The latest average UK fuel prices, as of the 9th March 2026, are 137.51p for petrol and 150.97p for diesel. 

Key Statistics

• The average price of petrol around the world is £0.97 per litre and diesel is £0.94 per litre.
• Hong Kong continues to have the highest petrol and diesel prices globally, with rates around £2.905 per litre of petrol and £2.865 per litre of petrol as of 2nd March 2026.
• The top 5 most expensive countries to buy petrol (per litre) are:
  • Hong Kong (£2.91).
  • Malawi (£2.14).
  • Netherlands (1.81).
  • Denmark (£1.77).
  • Israel (£1.75).
• The top 5 cheapest countries to buy petrol (per litre) are: 
  • Libya (£0.018).
  • Iran (£0.021).
  • Venezuela (£0.026).
  • Angola (£0.245).
  • Kuwait (£0.256)
• The top 5 most expensive countries to buy diesel (per litre) are:
  • Hong Kong (£2.87).
  • Malawi (£2.13).
  • Denmark (£1.80). 
  • Switzerland (£1.73) 
  • Liechtenstein (£1.71).
• The top 5 cheapest countries to buy diesel (per litre) are: 
  • Venezuela (£0.003).
  • Iran (£0.004).
  • Libya (£0.018).
  • Algeria (£0.177) 
  • Turkmenistan (£0.214).
• Dumfriesshire is the most expensive region in the UK to purchase petrol with prices peaking at up to 157.32p. Prices vary depending on location, competition, and market dynamics.
• As of January 2026 Northern Ireland remains one of the cheapest places in the UK to buy fuel. Recent data shows average unleaded petrol prices around 129–130 p per litre and diesel around 136–138 p per litre - notably below the UK national averages, making Northern Ireland among the lowest-priced regions in the UK.
• The United States has the highest fossil fuel consumption per capita.
• In 2024, the US ranked #1 for petroleum consumption in the world with 813.7 million metric tons. The recorded value for China was 755.4 million metric tons. 
• The UK produces around 32% of its electricity from fossil fuels. Falling fuel prices have been identified by the Office for National Statistics as a significant factor contributing to a decrease in the headline inflation rate.

Want to know how much your road tax will be? Check out our guide to the latest VED car tax rates. 

How much is a litre of petrol in the UK?

As of March 2026, unleaded petrol costs an average of 137.51p per litre.

How much is diesel per litre?

As of March 2026, diesel costs an average of 150.97p per litre.

Middle East tensions push fuel prices higher

In early March 2026, renewed tensions in the Middle East pushed global oil prices higher. Brent crude rose above $85 per barrel, its highest level since mid-2024, after Iran announced restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a route that carries roughly 20% of global oil supplies. The increase quickly fed into UK pump prices, with petrol rising by around 2.5p per litre to 135.20p, while diesel increased by more than 3p to 145.66p. The episode highlights how geopolitical events can quickly influence fuel prices for UK drivers.

Fuel Finder app introduced to tackle price differences

From 9th February 2026, fuel retailers will be required to report petrol and diesel prices to third-party apps within 30 minutes as part of the government’s new Fuel Finder Scheme. The move follows Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) findings that competition between UK forecourts remains weak, with drivers sometimes paying up to 20p more per litre depending on location. It has been projected that the app could save the average household £40 a year. 

While the scheme is designed to help motorists identify cheaper fuel locally, it does not change wholesale costs or regional pricing pressures, which continue to drive broader fuel price trends across the UK. 

Will Israel–Iran Tensions Impact Fuel Prices?

Iran accounts for around 3% of global oil supplies, so any disruption can ripple through global energy markets. The June 2025 conflict with Israel triggered a sharp rise in Brent crude prices. On 23 June, Brent surged to $78.53 per barrel, its highest level since January, after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Prices briefly touched the high-$70s, but eased once ceasefire announcements emerged. By August 2025, Brent had fallen back to the mid-$60s, roughly where it stood before the escalation. Ongoing supply-glut concerns continue to outweigh geopolitical risks in keeping prices subdued.

The Impact of Trump's Tariffs on Fuel Prices

On Thursday April 3rd 2025, the day after US president Donald Trump's tariff announcement, Brent futures fell by 6.42%. A barrel of oil was trading at $70.14, down $4.81. Brent oil prices were on track for the biggest drop since August 2022.

Oil prices subsequently fell to their lowest point since April 2021, with barrels trading at $63.49. This means that UK drivers saw lower pump prices over the following weeks - up to 6p a litre cheaper. 

May 2025 saw pump prices reach a near four year low. Petrol was at its cheapest since July 2021 while diesel fell below 139p a litre for the first time since September 2021.

Average UK Fuel Prices 2024

Why are fuel prices still so high?

In March 2025, fuel prices reached their highest levels in 6 months, with a full tank of petrol (for the average car) costing around £3 more than in October 2024.

Overall pump prices still remain far above pre-2019 levels - although they have decreased from the peak prices during Covid. Supermarket fuel margins (the difference in cost for retailers for acquiring fuel and revenue generated from its sale) are also up - between May and August 2024, fuel margins for supermarkets increased from 7.0% to 8.1%. 

Retailers' increased fuel margins are at a historically high level. In 2023, these higher margins resulted in drivers' fuel costs increasing by an estimated £1.6 billion.

Fuel prices increase when the cost of a barrel of oil rises. There are many reasons for this. Fuel prices are currently high (compared to pre-COVID) because of the after-effects of the pandemic and the continuing war in Ukraine. Fluctuations in oil prices can affect wholesale fuel prices, which in turn impact consumer prices, emphasising the complex relationship between oil prices, currency exchange rates, and retail pricing strategies.

Since 2020, wholesale Brent crude oil was trading for around $40 a barrel (in April that year it even briefly dropped below $20 a barrel). Prices have increased since then, partly driven by factors like the end of the pandemic (massive increases in demand in a short space of time) and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 

In 2022, prices briefly increased beyond $120 a barrel ($123 in May), higher than any point since 2014. Prices have fallen since then, but as of the 4th June 2024, the price per barrel is $77.52 - almost double the price compared to the same point in 2020.

When the price of oil rises, fuel retailers usually pass on those costs to consumers, even if they absorb some of the increases. However, when wholesale prices fall, retailers are reluctant to pass on the savings. 

For the regular motoring population, fuel retailers are hugely important. Competition between the 'big four' supermarkets Asda, Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury's has helped to reduce prices in the past: when one supermarket giant cuts their fuel prices others often follow. The price of petrol in UK supermarkets is largely dependent on the international price.

In 2023, fuel retailers were heavily criticised for not cutting the cost of fuel at the pumps when the price of oil dropped.

The UK Government also has a significant impact on fuel prices. It controls two major components: fuel duty, which is currently at 52.95p per litre, and the standard 20% VAT rate. These two elements make up the bulk of the price of petrol and diesel.

Fuel Duty

Fuel duty in the UK is currently 52.95p per litre. This is levied at a flat rate for every litre of fuel - petrol, diesel and other fuel products - bought. In 2023/24, fuel duty is estimated to raise £24.7 billion, accounting for 0.9% of national income.

Fuel duty was frozen from March 2011 to March 2023, bringing some relief for drivers in the midst of rising prices, while the former Chancellor Rishi Sunak lowered it by 5ppl in the Spring Budget 2023. 

When the Government introduced E10 petrol in England, Scotland and Wales in September 2021 it had an impact on fuel prices as ethanol is more expensive than petrol.

Other factors which influence wholesale prices are: oil refinery production and capacity, the pound to dollar exchange rate, (as refined fuel is sold in US dollars per metric tonne) and distribution costs. 

In the 2024 Autumn budget, the government announced that fuel duty would remain at 52.95p per litre. The Spring 2025 statement continued the freeze, so fuel duty will remain the same until at least March 2026.

How much does it cost to fill up the average family car?

As of January 2026, it costs £73.73 to fill up a Ford Focus (55-litre fuel tank) with petrol and £78.63 to fill up with diesel. 

Which is the most expensive place in the UK to buy fuel?

The South East usually has the highest average diesel and petrol prices, so the petrol price in London and other major South-Eastern towns and cities is normally higher than the rest of the UK. In August  2025, drivers in the South-East paid an average of 144.1ppl for diesel and 137.8ppl for petrol. 

Which is the cheapest place in the UK to buy fuel?

According to data from October 2025 Dundee in Scotland is the cheapest city to buy fuel at £1.26 per litre. The lowest diesel price was found in Ashfield in Nottinghamshire at £1.33 per litre. 

Where can I find the cheapest fuel prices near me?

Supermarkets generally have the cheapest fuel prices. The big four supermarkets: Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury's and Tesco, all lowered prices after the 5p fuel duty cut. BP-owned and Shell-owned fuel stations also applied the 5p cut (6p including VAT).

How much is a gallon of petrol in the UK?

As of October 2025, petrol costs an average of 615 pence per gallon, including VAT (based off of 135.19 pence per litre).

How much is a gallon of diesel in the UK?

As of October 2025, diesel costs an average of 650 pence per gallon, including VAT (based off of 143.01 pence per litre).

Fossil Fuel Subsidies

Many countries around the world are phasing out fossil fuels - replacing coal and gas power stations with renewable power generation, and replacing petrol and diesel cars with EV alternatives.

However, fossil fuels are still a critical part of energy production globally. Subsidies help protect general populations against issues like the energy price crisis that occurred in the wake of the 2022 Russia-Ukraine war.

In the EU, fossil fuel subsidies more than doubled due to the war and COVID - peaking at just under €140 billion in 2022, before dropping to €111 billion in 2023. The recent increase impacts the likelihood of all subsidies being phased out as quickly as possible in the EU. While 43% of the current subsidies in EU member nations have end dates before 2025, a further 48% have no planned end date. Just 9% have an end date before 2030.

Why do fuel prices fluctuate?

Fuel prices fluctuate due to supply and demand - as demand increases, so do prices. Fluctuation may also arise from interruptions in pipeline supply or refinery issues, leading to decreased availability and consequently higher bids for the limited supply. Therefore, it is crucial to compare fuel prices to save money, as even small differences can add up over time, especially for regular refuelers.

Are fuel prices going down?

Overall, fuel prices have eased compared with the highs of 2022 and early 2023, but have remained relatively steady throughout 2025. As of October 2025, average UK petrol prices were around £1.35 per litre, while diesel averaged £1.43 per litre. Earlier in the year, prices dipped slightly lower - in May 2025, the average for petrol was 132.0 p  and 138.4 p for diesel.

These prices are well below the peaks of more than £1.80 per litre seen in 2022, though still higher than pre-pandemic levels (125.5p per litre for petrol and 130.7p per litre for diesel). The Office for National Statistics has identified falling fuel prices as a major factor contributing to lower UK inflation, helping to ease pressure on household budgets through 2024 and 2025.

The steadying of prices reflects a balance between stable crude-oil supply, slower global demand growth, and increased competition among UK retailers. While dramatic price drops are unlikely, fuel costs remain significantly lower than the record highs of recent years.

How often do fuel prices change?

How often do pump prices change in the UK? Fuel prices change whenever there is a significant increase or reduction in the wholesale price of petrol or diesel. Retailers can update their prices to reflect these changes as often as they like.

Who sets fuel prices in the UK?

The price you pay per litre of petrol and diesel depends on wholesale fuel prices (i.e. the price retailers pay to get fuel) which are themselves affected by: the global crude oil price, which fluctuates according to supply and demand of crude oil.

What affects fuel prices?

There are 8 factors that affect fuel prices:

• Global price of crude oil
• Cost of distribution
• Fuel duty charge
• Supply and demand for crude oil
• Exchange rate
• Retailer margin
• VAT
• Refinery production and capacity. 

Even a small change in any of these is reflected in the price of fuel at the pump. Electric car owners generally avoid these fluctuations, benefitting from lower running costs and home charging options.

Global Fuel Prices

Global fuel price averages

• The global average price of petrol typically ranges between £0.90 and £1.00 per litre, depending on regional taxes and market conditions.
• The global average price of diesel is generally between £0.85 and £0.95 per litre, with wide variation across countries.

Highest and lowest-priced markets

• A litre of petrol costs £2.707 in Hong Kong, making it the most expensive place in the world to buy petrol. At that price, it would cost £148.89 to fill a 55-litre tank.
• A litre of petrol costs £0.017 in Libya, making it the lowest priced petrol in the world. At that price it would cost £0.94 to fill a 55-litre tank. 
• At £1.32 per litre, the UK ranked the 23rd most expensive country for diesel in January 2026.

Global fuel consumption

• In 2024, the United States ranked first for petroleum consumption globally, using 813.7 million metric tonnes, compared with 755.4 million metric tonnes in China.
• As of 2024, the US consumed around 3.8 million barrels per day of diesel and heating oil. In April 2025, China’s diesel consumption stood at about 4.0 million bpd, continuing a decline from a peak of 4.7 million bpd in 2023.
• Russia is the fourth-largest gasoline market in the world, consuming around 846,500 barrels per day.
• The UK consumed 599,800 barrels per day of diesel and heating oil in 2023, ranking 11th globally.

UK fuel demand trends

• In 2024, UK demand for petroleum products increased by 2.0% compared with 2023, with transport fuels driving the largest increase at approximately 3%.
• In 2024, total UK energy consumption increased by approximately 2.6 % compared with 2023, with transport energy use up about 2.9 %, largely driven by increased road and air travel.
• Latest quarterly data through mid-2025 indicates that overall consumption of petroleum products was broadly stable or slightly down year-on-year as demand patterns continue to shift.

International fuel price shocks

Fuel prices are shaped not only by domestic supply and demand, but by global events, trade routes and government policy decisions. Sudden shocks in one part of the world can quickly feed into international markets and influence prices elsewhere, including the UK.

• January 2026 – Malawi: Petrol and diesel prices increased by more than 40% after the introduction of an automatic pricing mechanism linked to global fuel supply and shipping costs. The hike led to immediate rises in transport fares and is expected to push up food prices.
• 2024–2025 – Red Sea shipping disruption: Attacks on commercial vessels forced oil tankers to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing journey times, insurance premiums and shipping costs. This disruption added upward pressure to global fuel prices, particularly in Europe.
• Late 2024 – Argentina: Fuel prices rose sharply after the government removed long-standing price controls as part of wider economic reforms, increasing transport and logistics costs and contributing to higher inflation.
• Why this matters for the UK: Although the UK is not directly affected by these events, global fuel markets are highly interconnected. Disruptions to supply routes, shipping costs or pricing mechanisms elsewhere can still influence wholesale fuel prices and, ultimately, what UK drivers pay at the pump.

Impact of Fuel Prices on Industries

Fuel is a critical piece of the world economy and a primary source of energy that powers various industries and enables households to sustain their daily lives. However, fuel prices are the result of constantly fluctuating and complex factors on a global scale. 

Fuel prices influence far more than just what drivers pay at the pump. They ripple through supply chains, transport networks, manufacturing processes and food production, making fuel one of the strongest cost drivers in the global economy.

Here’s how fluctuations in fuel prices affect various industries:

Transportation

Fuel prices determine the cost of transportation for vehicle owners, and how much travelling they’re willing to do. High fuel prices means higher expenses for drivers and can strain a person’s budget. Long-distance travel, holidays, and business trips can become more expensive (and less likely to happen or infrequent) due to high fuel prices.

• Fuel can account for 25% to 30% of a freight company's costs.
• According to the Road Haulage Association (RHA), fluctuations in diesel prices directly impact freight rates - with overall haulage operating costs rising by 3.5% in 2024, largely driven by fuel.
• A 1p change per litre in diesel costs an average HGV operator £400–£600 per vehicle per year.
• The UK logistics sector consumes around 17–18 billion litres of diesel annually.

Manufacturing 

Fuel is a significant and unavoidable expense for many businesses, particularly those in logistics, transportation, and manufacturing. High fuel prices can increase operating costs and reduce competitiveness. This can, in turn, lead to higher production costs and final product prices, which is reflected in prices for the customer.

Energy and fuel account for roughly 7–15% of total production costs in energy-intensive industries such as steel, chemicals and construction materials.

A 10% rise in fuel prices can increase factory gate prices by 1–2% depending on sector.

Agriculture

The effect of high fuel cost on agriculture is the same for most sectors: farm produce has to be moved from the farm to the final consumer, or to the processing plant and then to the consumer - this transportation depends on fuel. Tractors and other machines also need fuel. 

• Fuel and energy costs represent about 10–20% of farm operating expenses.
• A typical arable farm can use 60–90 litres of diesel per hectare per year.
• Transport costs account for up to 40% of food distribution costs.

Aviation

On average, the largest operating costs for airlines are the fuel expenses and those expenses related to the procurement of aeroplane fuel. Fuel costs are such a huge part of an airline's overhead percentage-wise that even the slightest fluctuation in the price of oil is bound to affect the airline's bottom line. 

• Fuel represents 20–30% of an airline’s total operating costs.
• A $10 rise per barrel of oil can increase global airline fuel bills by $20–25 billion annually.
• Airlines globally consume around 7–8 million barrels of jet fuel per day.

Construction

Fuel plays a major role in construction because heavy machinery, on-site equipment, and the transportation of materials all depend on diesel and other fuels. From excavators and cranes to delivery lorries bringing materials to site, fuel costs directly influence how expensive construction projects are to run and complete.

• Fuel and transport typically account for around 10–15% of total construction project costs.
• Heavy construction machinery can consume 20–40 litres of diesel per hour, depending on the type of equipment and workload.
• Rising fuel prices increase the cost of transporting building materials such as steel, cement, and timber, which can significantly raise overall project budgets.

Retail

Fuel costs affect retail through the transportation of goods from manufacturers and distribution centres to shops and warehouses. Almost every product on a shelf has been moved multiple times by fuel-powered vehicles before reaching the consumer.

• Transport costs make up around 5–10% of the final retail price of many consumer goods.
• Large retail distribution fleets can use millions of litres of fuel each year, making fuel one of their largest operating costs after staffing.
• Higher fuel prices increase delivery and logistics costs, which are often passed on to customers through higher prices.

What effect does a rise in fuel prices have on product prices?

When fuel prices increase, the cost of almost all products is bound to increase too, especially products that go through a fuel-dependent manufacturing/processing stage or that need to be transported to the consumer. 

Sometimes the effect of increased fuel prices may be indirect. For instance, a tailor may not need fuel to make clothes. But since they pay more for deliveries of materials and to distribute their products, then they’ll likely include that cost in the price of their clothes.

Crude Oil

Global fuel prices are closely linked to how much crude oil is exported and which countries control the largest share of that supply. The world’s biggest exporters continue to be led by Saudi Arabia, Russia, the United States, Canada, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, with Brazil, Norway, Nigeria and Kuwait also playing an important role in global trade. 

While full, confirmed export rankings for 2025 are not yet available, early indicators from production and shipping activity in the first half of the year suggest that these same major producers remain at the centre of the international oil market. Because crude oil export statistics are published with a delay, 2024 currently provides the most reliable and complete picture, with 2025 data still emerging and best viewed as indicative rather than final.

The economic impact of crude oil exports is vast. In 2023 alone, Saudi Arabia generated around $138 billion from crude oil exports, Russia about $113 billion, and Canada over $81 billion, underlining how central oil remains to national income, public spending, and currency stability in major exporting nations. Even countries lower in the top ten generated tens of billions of dollars each year from oil trade. These revenues help fund infrastructure, social programmes, and energy investment, but they also tie national economies closely to global oil prices. When export volumes or prices rise, government income grows; when they fall, budgets tighten. This is why changes in global oil exports are not just an energy issue, but a powerful driver of economic stability and fuel prices worldwide.