Consumer champions at Which? have issued a warning to UK drivers: never assume that supermarkets are always the cheapest option for petrol and diesel. While large supermarket chains generally offer lower forecourt prices, independent petrol stations can undercut them in some areas. The advice comes amid fluctuating fuel prices over the past year.
Which? recommends checking local petrol station prices before filling up, using websites such as PetrolPrices.com or sat nav apps like Waze, which display live prices for stations nearby and along your route. “It's worth checking which petrol stations are the cheapest locally before you fill up,” the consumer group said in a statement earlier this year.
Check Tyre Pressure to Save Fuel
In addition to price checking, Which? also urges motorists to ensure their tyres are correctly inflated to improve fuel efficiency. Underinflated tyres create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. The group advises: “Make sure your tyres are at the correct pressure as stated in the car's handbook (or often 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. Proper tyre maintenance can help drivers save money on both fuel and tyre costs.
What Determines the Cost of a Litre of Fuel?
According to motoring experts at RAC, the price drivers pay per litre is primarily determined by wholesale fuel prices, which are influenced by several factors:
- The global price of crude oil, driven by supply and demand for crude oil and refinery production capacity.
- The pound-to-dollar exchange rate, as refined fuel is traded in US dollars per metric tonne.
- Distribution costs.
- Retailer margin.
- Fuel duty charged by the government.
- VAT applied at the point of sale.
RAC notes that while some costs like VAT remain relatively static, others—such as oil prices and exchange rates—can be highly volatile. “This explains why prices rise and fall. A combination of high oil prices and a weak pound leads to the highest pump prices,” the motoring group said.
Regional Price Variations Across the UK
Fuel prices can differ significantly between regions and even between towns just a few miles apart. Drivers are encouraged to shop around and not rely on assumptions about which stations offer the best value. Using digital tools to compare prices before leaving home can help motorists save money at the pump.
