Motorists are paying 1p per mile more to use the roads this August compared to July, according to data from PetrolPrices. The increase follows a rise in the cost of unleaded petrol over the past four weeks, with prices now at 162.15p per litre, up from 149.80p on July 6.
Cost per mile rises
Based on an average petrol vehicle fuel efficiency of 36 miles per gallon, road users are now paying around 20p per mile, compared to 19p per mile in July. While the increase may seem small, it can add up over longer journeys.
For example, the two-hour drive between Oxford and Cambridge covers about 100 miles, meaning the cost per trip rises by £1. The 118-mile journey between London and Bristol will cost £1.18 more, while the 874-mile trip from Land's End to John O'Groats would add £8.74 to the total.
RAC warning
Late in July, the RAC warned that the average price of petrol was at its highest level since November 2022, citing disruption in the Middle East. The latest increase means filling a family-sized car with unleaded petrol now costs as much as £88.
However, pump prices are not expected to rise further at this stage. Experts at RAC Fuel Watch have stressed that there is “no change forecast” for unleaded, super unleaded, or diesel costs.
Analysis shows that the conflict in the Middle East continues to affect prices, with petrol now 22.7p per litre higher than in February, before the conflict began.
