UK petrol prices have climbed to their highest level in almost four years, with the average cost of a litre of unleaded reaching 142.3p. The rise comes as millions of motorists prepare to set off for the bank holiday weekend, according to data from the RAC.
Rising costs at the pump
The average price of petrol now stands at 142.3p per litre, the most expensive since October 2022. Diesel has also increased, averaging 147.8p per litre, adding to the financial pressure on drivers.
The RAC attributed the increase to rising wholesale costs, which have been driven by global oil price volatility. The organisation warned that pump prices could continue to climb in the coming weeks if wholesale costs remain elevated.
Impact on holiday travel
The price hike coincides with one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, as many families take advantage of the late August bank holiday. For a typical family car with a 55-litre tank, filling up now costs around £78.27, compared with £76.45 a month ago.
The RAC urged drivers to shop around for the best deals, noting that supermarket forecourts tend to offer lower prices than motorway service stations. However, it cautioned that regional variations remain significant, with rural areas often facing higher costs.
Outlook for drivers
Industry analysts suggest that prices may stabilise if global oil markets calm, but any further disruption to supply could push costs higher. The RAC said it would continue to monitor the situation and called on retailers to ensure they pass on any reductions in wholesale prices promptly.
For now, motorists are advised to plan their fuel stops carefully and consider using price comparison apps to find the cheapest options along their routes.
