Diesel still around £110 a tank despite wholesale costs falling

• Diesel falls to 199.98p a litre, but still costs around £110 to fill a typical 55-litre tank as wholesale costs fall by at least 6p

• Petrol falls to 174.79p a litre, putting a typical 55-litre fill at around £96

• The AA urges drivers to ‘make every drop matter’ with simple steps to reduce fuel use

Diesel remains around £2 a litre

Diesel drivers are still facing a bill of around £110 to fill a typical 55-litre tank, despite the average pump price slipping marginally below £2 a litre.

The latest Fuel Finder data puts diesel at 199.98p a litre. While that takes the average fractionally below the £2 mark, the difference for drivers filling up is negligible, with a 55-litre tank still costing £109.99.

Falling wholesale diesel costs could bring further savings

The small fall is, however, the first sign that lower wholesale diesel costs are beginning to feed through to forecourt prices. Wholesale costs have fallen by between 6p and 8p, leaving scope for further reductions if those savings are passed on.

Petrol backed away from hitting the 175p a litre mark, down to 174.79p on Fuel Finder this morning. Wholesale cost movements have been more volatile than diesel’s and offer less opportunity for fuel stations to lower their prices.

Analysis of the Fuel Finder shows that 187 fuel stations cut their petrol price over the past 24 hours, compared to 87 that raised it. With diesel, 234 cut their pump price, versus 46 who increased it.

Edmund King, AA president, said; “Whilst there is a glimmer of hope with the diesel pump price dropping for the first time since July, the global uncertainty means drivers can’t count on any big reductions anytime soon. Faced with high prices, The AA is giving advice to ‘make ever drop matter’ by shopping around for the best prices using the AA App or fuel finder data and adapting driving style and speeds to make their fuel go further.”

Despite the small falls, fuel remains expensive for drivers, particularly those covering higher mileages. For families who rely on their vehicle for commuting, getting children to school and other essential journeys, the cost of filling up can quickly add to monthly household spending.

Compare fuel prices before filling up

The national averages also mask differences between individual forecourts. Drivers can use the AA App to compare fuel prices nearby and find the best value before filling up.

Motorway service areas (MSAs) remain among the most expensive places to fill up. AA analysis found petrol was around 18p a litre more expensive at MSAs than the national average, while diesel was around 14p more. On a 55-litre fill, that could mean paying almost £10 more for petrol or nearly £8 more for diesel.

For drivers on longer journeys, checking prices before setting off and travelling a few miles off the motorway to fill up could therefore deliver a worthwhile saving.

Edmund King, AA president, added: “Diesel dipping fractionally below £2 a litre is a move in the right direction, but drivers filling up today will barely notice the difference. At around £110 for a typical tank, diesel remains painfully expensive.

“The more encouraging news is what is happening further up the supply chain. Wholesale diesel costs have fallen by between 6p and 8p, and we are now seeing the first signs of that feeding through at the pumps.

“Drivers will expect those lower costs to be passed on quickly. A meaningful fall of several pence a litre would make a real difference, particularly for those who have little choice but to use their vehicle for work and essential journeys.”

How to use less fuel and make every drop matter

Lee Morley, AA expert patrol, said: “Drivers can’t control the price at the pump, but there are things they can do to make every drop matter.

“One of the simplest ways to use less fuel is to drive smoothly. Accelerate gently, use the appropriate gear and look well ahead so you can ease off the accelerator rather than braking heavily at the last moment.

“Your tyres can make a difference too. Check the pressures regularly and make sure they are at the manufacturer’s recommended level. Under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance, which means the engine has to work harder and use more fuel.

“Think about what you’re carrying as well. There’s no point driving around with unnecessary weight in the boot, while roof boxes and roof racks should be removed when they’re not being used because they create extra drag.

“Planning your journey before setting off can also help. If you have several short trips to make, try combining them into one journey where practical. This can cut unnecessary mileage and means the engine spends less time running from cold, when it can use more fuel.”

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Questions and Answers

What is the average price of diesel in the UK?

The AA’s latest Fuel Finder analysis puts average B7 diesel at 199.98p a litre, meaning a typical 55-litre tank costs around £110.

What is the average price of petrol in the UK?

Average E10 petrol is 174.79p a litre, making a typical 55-litre fill around £96.

How much does it cost to fill a diesel car?

At 199.98p a litre, filling a typical 55-litre diesel tank costs around £110.

How much does it cost to fill a petrol car?

At 174.79p a litre, filling a typical 55-litre petrol tank costs around £96.

Are diesel prices falling?

Diesel has fallen marginally below £2 a litre. Wholesale diesel costs have also fallen by between 6p and 8p, providing scope for further reductions if those savings are passed on at the pumps.

Are petrol prices falling?

Average E10 petrol has edged down to 174.79p a litre, moving back from the 175p-a-litre mark.

Are more petrol stations cutting fuel prices?

Yes. AA analysis of Fuel Finder data found 234 fuel stations cut diesel prices over the previous 24 hours, compared with 46 that increased them. For petrol, 187 cut prices while 87 increased them.

Why could diesel prices fall further?

Wholesale diesel costs have fallen by between 6p and 8p. The AA says lower wholesale costs provide scope for further pump-price reductions if the savings are passed on to drivers.

How can I find cheaper petrol and diesel near me?

Drivers can use the AA App to compare fuel prices at nearby forecourts before filling up.

Is motorway fuel more expensive?

AA analysis found petrol at motorway service areas was around 18p a litre more expensive than the national average, with diesel around 14p more. Checking prices and travelling a few miles off the motorway where practical could therefore save drivers money.

How can I use less fuel when driving?

Driving smoothly, accelerating gently, anticipating the road ahead and avoiding unnecessary heavy braking can all help reduce fuel consumption.

Does tyre pressure affect fuel consumption?

Yes. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, meaning the engine has to work harder and use more fuel.

Can removing a roof box save fuel?

Yes. Roof boxes and roof racks create additional aerodynamic drag, so removing them when they are not needed can help improve fuel efficiency.

Does combining short journeys save fuel?

Combining several short trips into one journey where practical can reduce unnecessary mileage and the amount of time the engine spends running from cold, when it can use more fuel.