Diesel drivers are paying 20p per mile to run their cars this November, according to new analysis from the RAC. The average price of a litre of diesel in the UK now stands at 198.42p, only slightly below the all-time high of 199p recorded a month ago.
For a typical diesel car achieving 45 miles per gallon, this works out at roughly 20p per mile, with the figure potentially higher for those driving in cities or paying above the average pump price. By comparison, the new pay-per-mile charges for electric vehicles due to be introduced from April 2027 will cost drivers just 3p per mile, with home charging typically ranging between 2p and 8p per mile depending on the tariff and EV range.
Fuel duty freeze and tax burden
Despite the decision to extend the current 5p fuel duty freeze in the latest Budget, the tax on petrol and diesel remains high at 52.95p per litre. The ongoing conflict in Iran continues to push fuel prices higher.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said drivers are likely to be disappointed that more was not done to help cut fuel costs, such as a reduction in VAT or a further cut to fuel duty in the Autumn Budget.
Drivers call for cuts
He said: "While drivers may breathe a mild sigh of relief knowing that fuel duty isn't going up, many are likely to be disappointed the Chancellor didn't go further to support them.
"RAC research published yesterday showed nearly two-in-three regular drivers wanted cuts to duty or VAT on fuel, with a similar proportion now cutting back on other spending because of the high cost of fuel.
"A freeze only avoids making an already difficult situation worse – it doesn't make filling up any cheaper. And it's worth remembering that pump prices still soared this summer, despite fuel duty being at this very same reduced rate.
"Drivers will now have to hope for an easing of the international conflicts that have pushed up oil prices and disrupted fuel supplies if pump prices are to come down in a meaningful way.
"In the meantime, they can ensure they always pay the lowest price for filling up by using the free myRAC app to locate the cheapest forecourts up and down the country."
