Diesel Prices in the UK
Diesel prices in the UK fluctuate daily based on global oil markets, refining costs, and local retailer margins, with current rates ranging from £1.40-1.55 per litre for standard diesel to £1.45-1.60 per litre for premium diesel. Understanding diesel prices, regional variations, and cost factors helps motorists budget for fuel expenses and find best value at the pump. From standard to premium grades, UK diesel vehicle owners face significant fuel costs that impact daily driving expenses.
🛢️ Diesel represents essential motoring expense for diesel vehicle owners requiring careful price monitoring and fuel efficiency strategies that minimize fuel costs while maintaining vehicle performance. Evaluating whether standard or premium diesel provides best value, understanding price variations and regional differences, and knowing when to fill up helps optimize fuel spending while ensuring reliable vehicle operation.
How Much is Diesel in the UK?
Standard Diesel: £1.40-1.55 per litre for regular diesel fuel including standard grade diesel. Supermarkets typically charge £1.40-1.50 per litre, independent stations charge £1.45-1.55 per litre, and motorway services charge £1.55-1.70 per litre for standard diesel. Includes VAT and fuel duty.
Premium Diesel: £1.45-1.60 per litre for premium diesel with enhanced additives and cleaning agents. Premium brands cost £1.50-1.60 per litre, supermarket premium costs £1.45-1.55 per litre, and specialty stations cost £1.55-1.65 per litre for premium diesel. Includes enhanced performance and engine cleaning benefits.
Red Diesel (Agricultural): £0.85-1.00 per litre for red diesel intended for agricultural and industrial use with reduced fuel duty. Red diesel costs significantly less than standard diesel due to lower taxation, but is illegal for road use. Red diesel is restricted to off-road vehicles and machinery.
Regional Variations: £1.35-1.70 per litre depending on location, with London typically costing £1.45-1.55 per litre, rural areas costing £1.40-1.50 per litre, and motorway services costing £1.55-1.70 per litre. Regional variations reflect competition levels and operating costs.
Per Gallon: £6.35-7.05 per gallon for standard diesel, with standard diesel costing £6.35-7.05 per gallon, premium diesel costing £6.60-7.30 per gallon, and red diesel costing £3.85-4.55 per gallon. Per gallon pricing provides traditional measurement for fuel cost comparison.
Weekly Fuel Costs: £50-130 weekly for average diesel motorist depending on driving distance and vehicle efficiency. Low mileage drivers spend £50-70 weekly, average drivers spend £70-100 weekly, and high mileage drivers spend £100-130 weekly for diesel expenses. Weekly costs vary significantly by driving patterns and vehicle efficiency.
For example, 60-litre tank at £1.45 per litre costs £87 per fill, while weekly fuel at £85 totals £4,420 annually. Monthly fuel at £350 totals £4,200 annually for regular diesel driving expenses.
Real-World Examples:
Tesco Petrol Station in London: Standard diesel from £1.42 per litre, premium diesel from £1.48 per litre, supermarket pricing from £1.40 per litre. Competitive supermarket pricing with loyalty card discounts and convenient locations throughout London.
Asda Petrol Station in Manchester: Standard diesel from £1.40 per litre, premium diesel from £1.46 per litre, supermarket pricing from £1.38 per litre. Affordable supermarket pricing with competitive rates and nationwide coverage.
Sainsbury's Petrol Station in Birmingham: Standard diesel from £1.41 per litre, premium diesel from £1.47 per litre, supermarket pricing from £1.39 per litre. Supermarket pricing with Nectar card rewards and convenient shopping locations.
BP Service Station in Edinburgh: Standard diesel from £1.44 per litre, BP Ultimate Diesel from £1.54 per litre, premium brand from £1.46 per litre. Premium brand pricing with enhanced fuel technology and nationwide service station network.
Shell Service Station in Glasgow: Standard diesel from £1.45 per litre, Shell V-Power Diesel from £1.55 per litre, premium brand from £1.47 per litre. Premium brand pricing with advanced fuel technology and performance benefits.
Factors that Affect Diesel Prices in the UK
🌍 Global Oil Markets
Diesel prices follow global crude oil prices, with Brent crude oil typically ranging $70-100 per barrel affecting UK diesel prices. Oil price fluctuations driven by global supply, demand, and geopolitical factors directly impact diesel costs. Global market conditions significantly affect diesel prices and fuel expense volatility.
💷 Currency Exchange Rates
Diesel prices depend on USD exchange rates since oil is priced in US dollars internationally. Weak pound increases diesel prices in UK, while strong pound reduces fuel costs. Exchange rate fluctuations add volatility to diesel prices beyond pure oil market movements, typically affecting prices by £0.05-0.15 per litre.
🏛️ Fuel Duty and Taxation
UK fuel duty costs £0.5295 per litre plus 20% VAT on total price, with taxation representing approximately 50% of diesel price. Fuel duty and VAT significantly affect total diesel costs, with tax changes directly impacting pump prices. Government policy on fuel taxation affects long-term diesel price trends.
🏭 Refining Costs and Margins
Diesel refining costs and margins typically add £0.10-0.20 per litre to base oil costs, with refining complexity and supply-demand dynamics affecting margins. Retailer margins typically range £0.05-0.15 per litre, with supermarkets offering lower margins for competitive pricing. Refining and retail margins significantly impact diesel prices.
📍 Location and Competition
Motorway services typically charge £0.10-0.20 more per litre than urban stations due to higher operating costs and convenience premiums. Rural areas may have higher prices due to lower competition, while urban areas benefit from competitive pricing. Location significantly affects diesel prices and filling costs.
How to Save Money on Diesel in the UK
🏪 Shop at Supermarkets
Supermarket diesel stations typically offer £0.05-0.10 per litre discount compared to brand stations, saving £3-6 per 60-litre fill. Supermarket loyalty cards may provide additional discounts and rewards. Shopping at supermarkets can save £150-350 annually on diesel costs.
📱 Use Price Comparison Apps
Price comparison apps help find cheapest local diesel stations, potentially saving £0.05-0.15 per litre by identifying best deals. Apps like PetrolPrices and Waze provide real-time price information and station locations. Price comparison can save £80-250 annually on diesel expenses.
🚗 Improve Fuel Efficiency
Efficient driving techniques, proper tyre pressure, and vehicle maintenance can improve diesel fuel economy by 10-20%, reducing fuel consumption and costs. Regular servicing, smooth acceleration, and reduced idling improve efficiency. Fuel efficiency improvements can save £250-700 annually on diesel expenses.
⏰ Avoid Motorway Services
Motorway services typically charge £0.10-0.20 more per litre than urban stations, adding £6-12 per fill. Planning ahead and filling up before motorway travel avoids premium pricing. Avoiding motorway services can save £120-360 annually on diesel costs.
📦 Fill Up Strategically
Filling up during off-peak times or when prices are lower can save £0.02-0.05 per litre, while avoiding emergency fills at premium locations reduces costs. Monitoring price trends and filling strategically can save £60-200 annually on diesel expenses.
FAQs
What is the current diesel price per litre in the UK?
Current diesel prices range from £1.40-1.55 per litre for standard diesel, with supermarket stations typically charging £1.40-1.50 per litre and brand stations charging £1.45-1.55 per litre. Premium diesel costs £1.45-1.60 per litre. Prices fluctuate daily based on global oil markets and exchange rates.
Is diesel more expensive than petrol in the UK?
Diesel typically costs £0.05-0.10 more per litre than petrol, with diesel prices ranging £1.40-1.55 per litre compared to petrol prices of £1.35-1.50 per litre. Diesel costs more due to higher refining costs and supply-demand dynamics. However, diesel engines typically offer better fuel economy, potentially offsetting higher prices.
What is red diesel and how much does it cost?
Red diesel costs £0.85-1.00 per litre for agricultural and industrial use with reduced fuel duty. Red diesel is illegal for road use and restricted to off-road vehicles and machinery. Using red diesel in road vehicles is illegal and subject to significant penalties. Red diesel provides cost savings for legitimate agricultural and industrial use.
How much does it cost to fill a diesel car in the UK?
Filling 60-litre diesel tank costs £84-93 at current diesel prices of £1.40-1.55 per litre, while 70-litre tank costs £98-108.50. Average weekly diesel costs range from £50-130 depending on driving distance and vehicle efficiency. Diesel costs represent significant motoring expense for diesel vehicle owners.
How can I save money on diesel in the UK?
Shop at supermarkets, use price comparison apps, improve fuel efficiency, avoid motorway services, and fill up strategically. These strategies can save £250-700 annually on diesel costs. Supermarket stations offer best value, while fuel efficiency improvements provide long-term savings on diesel expenses.
Conclusion
Diesel prices in the UK range from £1.40-1.60 per litre depending on fuel grade, location, and retailer, representing significant motoring expense that impacts daily driving costs for diesel vehicle owners. Strategic fuel planning—shopping at supermarkets, using price comparison apps, improving fuel efficiency, avoiding motorway services, and filling up strategically—saves £250-700 annually while maintaining reliable vehicle operation. Diesel prices fluctuate based on global markets and taxation, making price monitoring essential for budget management. Compare diesel costs with other motoring expenses like petrol, car servicing, or MOT tests when budgeting motoring costs. With proper planning and price comparison, diesel costs can be managed effectively ensuring affordable motoring without excessive financial burden. 🛢️
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Alan Frost |
| Grew up in and live in Birmingham. Writer, publisher, editor, EFL teacher, composer. |
