UK petrol and diesel drivers are being warned they risk a £100 fine and three penalty points on their licence when searching for cheaper fuel, as prices surge due to rising tensions in the Middle East. Motorway fuel experts have highlighted that the hunt for lower costs could backfire, especially as more drivers run their cars near empty to save money.
Warning from Start Rescue
Lee Puffett, managing director of Start Rescue, acknowledged that all motorists are "feeling the pinch" of elevated petrol and diesel prices. He added: "Driving several miles out of your way or making a dedicated trip to fill up could mean paying more overall and possibly running out of fuel altogether, especially as more drivers run their cars to near empty due to high costs."
Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that drivers must have adequate fuel or charge for their journey, particularly when travelling on motorways. Running out of fuel on the motorway can lead to a £100 fine and three penalty points for careless driving, in addition to any recovery charges, Mr Puffett highlighted.
He continued: "Driving further to save a small amount could be expensive if your vehicle breaks down due to fuel starvation and you don't have breakdown cover, which includes running out of fuel. We advise monitoring local fuel forecourts and, as you are passing by, to fill up with petrol or diesel when the fuel gauge shows roughly a quarter tank."
RAC Analysis on Price Trends
RAC head of policy Simon Williams commented on the recent price fluctuations: "The sudden spike in the price of crude oil due to the latest tensions in the Middle East is likely to be a setback for drivers. While the price of unleaded at the pumps has fallen by more than a penny since peaking on 15 April at 158.31p, our analysis of wholesale costs shows petrol is now more expensive for retailers to buy than at any time since the war began."
However, he noted that diesel has come down by 3p a litre and is currently well below its highest wholesale price since the start of the conflict, so should fall further. The switch in wholesale cost trends is partly due to the time of year, as the petrol market tends to increase in spring when US driving rises, whereas diesel prices often reduce as Western Europe's use of heating oil lessens with warmer temperatures.
