The RAC has issued an urgent warning for all drivers filling up with petrol or diesel this weekend, as prices at the pump are rising again rapidly. According to the motoring organization, petrol is heading back to 155p a litre and diesel to over 170p – prices last seen in mid and late June respectively.
Sharp Increases in Just Over a Week
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Unfortunately, RAC wholesale data analysis shows petrol is heading back to 155p a litre and diesel to over 170p – prices last seen in mid and late June respectively.” He added: “Sadly for drivers - many of whom will be about to depart for a much-needed summer break - prices at the pump are on the rise again.”
Since hitting a three-month low on 6 July, petrol has already gone up 2p while diesel has jumped 2.5p in just over a week (9 July). The average price of unleaded is now 152.54p, while diesel is 167p per litre, up 2p and 2.5p respectively since 9 July, according to RAC data.
Oil Prices Drive Increases
Mr Williams explained: “What’s more, the increases are likely to keep coming thick and fast as the cost of a barrel of oil has gone from the low $70 mark to mid-$80s in just under two weeks.” The conflict in Iran, which began on 28 February, has also impacted prices; on that date, petrol was at 132.83p and diesel at 142.38p per litre.
Millions of Trips Expected
Reports on Friday (July 17) estimate that 3.4 million trips are expected to take place, though this could rise dramatically as another 16.2 million people are yet to confirm when they will be travelling. The "Saturday summer scramble" will see 3.8 million people hit the road, making it the busiest day over the weekend.
Advice for Drivers
Mr Williams called on the millions of motorists travelling over the coming days and into the weekend to use fuel price comparison apps, such as myRAC, to find the cheapest fuel along their journey. He urged drivers to shop around to mitigate the impact of rising prices.
