UK fuel prices: compare petrol and diesel before a drive

A litre of petrol averaged 175.28p and diesel 200.04p in the latest UK government weekly figures, for the week beginning 12 October 2026. These national averages offer a useful starting point for autumn trip planning, but drivers should compare current nearby forecourt prices before choosing where to fill up: the figures are not live quotes or a promise of what any station charges.

Latest UK petrol and diesel averages

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero published its latest weekly road-fuel update on 13 October 2026. Its data gives average UK pump prices of 175.28p per litre for unleaded petrol and 200.04p per litre for unleaded diesel, based on the week commencing 12 October.

The figures come from the department’s weekly road-fuel prices dataset, which reports average retail pump prices. They can help estimate costs or put a local quote in context. They do not show the price at a particular forecourt, and they may not match the price on the day you travel.

Why local forecourt prices can differ

A national average blends prices across many locations. Individual prices vary by station and region, and can also depend on fuel grade and when the price is checked. A nearby station’s price may therefore be above or below the weekly UK benchmark.

Use the average as a broad reference, then check prices for the fuel you actually use at stations along your route. Confirm the price close to departure if possible; a weekly statistic cannot tell you whether a forecourt has changed its price since the data week.

Work out whether a cheaper station is worth the detour

Start with the amount of fuel you expect to buy, not just the difference in price per litre. Multiply the litres by the price difference to find the gross saving. Then subtract the extra fuel used for the detour, using the car’s approximate fuel consumption and the higher-priced station’s price as a reasonable estimate.

Hypothetical example: suppose you need 40 litres. One station charges 175p per litre and another charges 170p, a 5p difference. Filling 40 litres at the cheaper station would save £2 before the detour. If the extra trip uses 1 litre of fuel at 170p per litre, the net saving is about 30p (£2 minus £1.70). If the detour takes more fuel than that, the cheaper headline price costs more overall.

For your own route:

• Compare prices at a few stations near your starting point and along the planned route.
• Estimate how many litres you will need before the next convenient stop.
• Check the extra distance and time for any off-route station.
• Compare the price saving on those litres with the detour’s fuel cost; include time or convenience in your decision.

The government dataset provides a national benchmark, while current station listings help with the local comparison. Recheck both the route and the forecourt price before setting off, especially if your plans or fuel needs change.

Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero