UK Petrol Prices Today

How are UK petrol prices set?

UK petrol prices are primarily driven by the wholesale cost of crude oil, which is traded in US dollars on global commodity markets. On top of the wholesale cost, the UK government adds fuel duty (currently 52.95p per litre) and 20% VAT. Together, tax accounts for roughly 50–55% of the price you pay at the pump. Retailers then add their own margin, which varies by brand and location.

Why do petrol prices vary between stations?

Fuel prices can vary by 10p or more per litre between nearby stations. Supermarket forecourts (Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrisons) typically offer the lowest prices because they use fuel as a loss leader to attract shoppers. Motorway service stations are usually the most expensive due to higher rents and captive customers. Rural areas often have higher prices because of delivery costs, while urban areas benefit from more competition between retailers.

How to find the cheapest petrol

The easiest way to find cheap fuel is to use the Roadtrip app, which shows live prices at thousands of UK petrol stations. As a general rule: fill up at supermarket forecourts, avoid motorway services, and check prices before setting off. Loyalty cards from Shell Go+, Tesco Clubcard, and Nectar (Esso) can also save you a few pence per litre over time.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average petrol price in the UK?

Based on our data from 7,141 UK stations, the current national average for unleaded petrol is 155.0p per litre. This figure is updated hourly. Prices have fluctuated between 130p and 190p per litre over the past few years depending on global oil prices and government policy.

Where is the cheapest petrol in the UK?

Supermarket petrol stations — particularly Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Morrisons — consistently offer the lowest fuel prices. Use the station list above to see today's cheapest stations, or download the Roadtrip app to find the best prices near you in real time.

How often are fuel prices updated?

Our fuel price data is refreshed every hour from station-reported prices. Most retailers update their prices at least once a day, though wholesale cost changes can take 1–2 weeks to fully flow through to forecourt prices.