Fuel prices rise for second month in a row with diesel up nearly 2p
Fuel prices climbed again in July, marking the second consecutive month of increases, according to new analysis from RAC Fuel Watch.
The average price of a litre of unleaded petrol rose by nearly a penny to 135p by the end of July, up from 134.15p at the start of the month. Diesel increased by almost 2p, from 141.21p to 142.85p per litre.
These latest rises follow increases of 2p for petrol and 3p for diesel in June, meaning petrol prices have gone up by almost 3p and diesel by 4.5p since the start of June.
For drivers filling a typical 55-litre family car, the cost now stands at £74.26 for unleaded and £78.57 for diesel.
Petrol is currently at its highest price since mid-April, while diesel is at levels last seen in March.
Buying fuel at supermarkets remains cheaper, with petrol averaging 131.5p and diesel 139p per litre — around 4p less than the UK average prices.
Northern Ireland offers the cheapest fuel in the UK, with unleaded petrol averaging 128p and diesel 134.5p per litre. These prices are close to those at membership-only retailer Costco, which charged an average of 125.6p for petrol and 133.2p for diesel at its forecourts across Great Britain at the end of July.
Price differences across regions vary: in England, unleaded petrol prices away from motorways range by 34p (from 125.7p to 159.9p), while in Scotland the range is 27.2p and in Wales 15.2p. Northern Ireland has the smallest difference, just 12p.
Simon Williams, RAC fuel spokesperson, said: “Unfortunately, drivers heading into the busy summer holiday season will face rising prices at the pumps, as fuel costs increased again in July.
“Although the average petrol price for the year is only slightly higher than in 2021, drivers are still benefiting from a 5p-a-litre fuel duty discount introduced early in 2022.
“Our analysis shows that retailer margins remain high, especially on petrol, which is highlighted by the fact that prices in Northern Ireland are on average 7p cheaper than across the UK.
“Prices can also vary significantly from forecourt to forecourt, so drivers looking for the best value should keep an eye out for the lowest prices available.”
Check live fuel prices near you before you set off.
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