Why is diesel more expensive than petrol in the UK?

Diesel is typically more expensive to refine than petrol, and the UK imports a significant amount of its diesel. Additionally, global demand for diesel (used heavily in industry and transport) often keeps wholesale prices higher than petrol.

What causes fuel prices to go up and down?

The main factors include the global price of crude oil (usually Brent Crude), the exchange rate between the Pound and the US Dollar (since oil is traded in dollars), wholesale market costs, and retailer margins. Fuel duty and VAT also make up a large fixed portion of the pump price.

Back to local prices

UK Fuel Price Trends

Track national average prices for petrol and diesel over the last 90 days.

Updated daily based on live station data.

Unleaded Petrol

172.8p

Super Unleaded

188.5p

Diesel

196.4p

Premium Diesel

216.0p

Today's Market Insight

The national average price gap between Petrol and Diesel is currently 23.6p per litre. Diesel continues to be the more expensive fuel at the pumps.

Price variance: The cheapest fuel recorded today in the UK is 16.6p, while the most expensive is 206.9p. Always check local prices before filling up!

90-Day Price History

Average prices per litre in pence (p).

Major Brands Price War

Compare average prices across major UK fuel brands today

Brand	Unleaded (E10)	Diesel (B7)
Sainsbury'sCheapest	168.2p	-
Morrisons	168.9p	-
Tesco	169.6p	-
Asda	170.0p	-
Esso	173.5p	-
Shell	174.6p	-

Cost to Fill Up

Select your tank size to calculate today's cost

Unleaded

£86.40

Diesel

£98.20

Super Unleaded

£94.25

Premium Diesel

£108.00

What drives UK fuel prices?

The price you pay at the pump isn't just decided by the petrol station. It's a complex mix of global factors and domestic taxes:

Global Oil Prices: Crude oil is traded globally, mostly in US Dollars. When oil prices rise, pump prices usually follow.
Exchange Rates: Because oil is traded in dollars, a weak pound against the dollar makes it more expensive for the UK to buy fuel.
Fuel Duty & VAT: Around half of what you pay is tax. The government charges a fixed Fuel Duty per litre, plus 20% VAT on the total amount.
Retailer Margins: Supermarkets and independent retailers add their own markup to cover operating costs and profit.

Supermarket vs Independent

Supermarkets typically offer cheaper fuel than independent forecourts. They use fuel as a "loss leader" to attract shoppers to their stores, making a smaller margin on the petrol itself but making up for it when you buy your weekly groceries.

However, this isn't always the case. In rural areas or along motorways, prices can spike significantly due to lack of competition or higher transport costs for the fuel.

That's why it always pays to check local prices before you fill up.

Are you overpaying for fuel?

National averages only tell half the story. Prices can vary significantly depending on where you live and which brand you use.

Check local prices near you