Drivers across the UK are being urged to refuel before Thursday (17 September) as the price of petrol and diesel is forecast to spike to its most expensive level since April as the war in Iran continues.
Current fuel prices and costs
Motorists are currently paying an average of 169.68p per litre for unleaded petrol and 191.68p for diesel, according to figures from RAC Fuel Watch on Monday (September 14). Costs have also exceeded the diesel peaks of 191.54p recorded on April 15, as the Middle East conflict continues to push up oil prices.
It would now cost approximately £93 to fill up with petrol and £105 for diesel, for motorists with an average 55-litre fuel tank.
Best days to refuel and regional differences
Drivers wanting to avoid paying even more might consider refuelling before the weekend, when fuel costs can climb higher as demand rises, according to figures shared by Car Owl. Fuel price figures revealed costs can start to increase as demand grows on Fridays and Saturdays - some of the busiest periods for leisure motoring. Sunday can also stay expensive as drivers make homeward journeys.
Nevertheless, there is no guaranteed economical day, since it is influenced by global markets. The variation is typically minimal, so location can make a far greater impact than the day of the week.
In Ballymena, County Antrim, for instance, Go Ballymena is selling petrol for 151.9p a litre, which is nearly 20p beneath the current UK average. That would save a motorist with a 50-litre tank almost £9 compared with refuelling at the average UK price.
Record highs and expert warning
Motorists are now confronting some of the steepest prices seen in recent years. Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said fuel prices are now at levels not witnessed since early August 2022, just a few months after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Mr Williams told GB News: "With oil well over $100 (£74.20) a barrel, there's no end in sight to high pump prices and the pain it brings to drivers who depend on their vehicles."
"In fact, the average price of diesel may be on the way to overtaking the record high of 199.05p set on June 25, 2022," he added. "Petrol, however, is still a long way from its all-time record of 191.53p on July 3, 2022."
