Consumer experts at Which? have urged UK drivers not to “assume” that supermarkets always offer the cheapest petrol prices. While larger supermarket chains generally provide lower forecourt prices, independent petrol stations in some areas can undercut these bigger firms.
Check Local Prices Before Filling Up
Which? advises motorists to check which petrol stations are cheapest locally before refuelling. Websites such as PetrolPrices.com and some sat nav apps, including Waze, display live prices for stations nearby and along a route. This can help drivers find the best deal in their area.
Additional Tips to Save on Fuel
Experts also recommend that drivers check their tyre pressure before leaving the station, as properly inflated tyres can improve fuel efficiency. Underinflated tyres create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. The correct pressure is usually found in the car’s handbook or on a sticker on the driver’s door pillar. Incorrectly inflated tyres also affect braking performance and wear prematurely or unevenly, leading to more frequent replacements.
What Determines the Cost of Petrol and Diesel?
According to motoring experts at the RAC, the price drivers pay is primarily driven by wholesale fuel costs, which are influenced by:
- The global price of crude oil, governed by supply and demand, refinery production, and capacity
- The pound to dollar exchange rate, as refined fuel is sold in US dollars per metric tonne
- Distribution costs
- Retailer margin
- Fuel duty charged by the Government
- VAT charged on every forecourt transaction
The RAC explains: “While some of these stay largely static – such as VAT – others such as the oil price and dollar to sterling exchange rate can be very volatile. This explains why prices rise and fall. A combination of high oil prices and a weak pound leads to the highest pump prices.”
