UK petrol prices have climbed again, with drivers of popular petrol cars now facing running costs of 20p per mile during August. According to PetrolPrices data, unleaded petrol currently costs 162.15p per litre, a rise that translates into significant expenses for motorists.
For a typical petrol car achieving 36 miles per gallon (mpg), the current fuel price means each mile driven costs 20p. MPG, or Miles Per Gallon, measures how many miles a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel, with one gallon equalling 4.546 litres. Higher MPG figures indicate better fuel efficiency, with the average UK car achieving 40-50 MPG and efficient hybrids exceeding 60 MPG, according to PetrolPrices.
How to cut fuel costs
PetrolPrices has issued guidance for drivers looking to reduce their fuel expenditure. The company advises motorists to "drive smoothly (saves 20-30% fuel), maintain correct tyre pressure (saves 3%), remove roof boxes when not needed, use cruise control on motorways, avoid idling, and compare fuel prices using PetrolPrices.co.uk to find the cheapest stations near you."
The fuel comparison service also warns against aggressive driving habits. "Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic can improve MPG by 20-30%. Harsh braking wastes the energy you've already paid for," it states. Speed also plays a critical role in efficiency, with the company noting that "55-65 mph is the sweet spot. Driving at 70 mph uses 9% more fuel than 60 mph. At 80 mph, you're using 25% more."
Tyre pressure and motorway costs
Under-inflated tyres are another factor driving up costs. PetrolPrices explains that "under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance. Tyres 20% below recommended pressure waste 3-5% extra fuel." This makes regular pressure checks a simple but effective way to improve efficiency.
Motorway refuelling is particularly expensive, with fuel at service stations costing 15-25p more per litre. The company advises drivers to "fill up before joining the motorway — a 50L tank costs £8-12 extra at services." Supermarket fuel from Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons is typically 3-8p cheaper per litre than branded stations, according to the data.
Fuel duty remains frozen
PetrolPrices encourages motorists to "compare fuel prices using PetrolPrices.co.uk to find the cheapest fuel near you. Differences of 10p+ per litre are common. Plus, use fuel loyalty cards to save even more."
Fuel duty, charged by the Government on every litre of petrol or diesel sold, is included in the pump price. The rate was frozen at 57.95p per litre for several years before being cut to 52.95p in 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which caused fuel prices to spike. The Budget on 30 October 2024 confirmed the 52.95p rate would remain in place from Spring 2025, providing some stability for motorists amid ongoing price increases.
