Motorists across the United Kingdom are confronting a sharp increase in driving expenses this December, with new analysis revealing petrol car drivers are now facing an average cost of 17 pence for every mile they travel.
The Numbers Behind the Cost Per Mile
According to the latest data from RAC Fuel Watch, the average price of petrol has climbed to 137.0 pence per litre. This marks a rise from the 135.60p per litre recorded in November. The insurance website NimbleFins, which conducted the analysis, states that the typical fuel economy for a UK petrol car is approximately 36 miles per gallon (mpg).
Combining these figures reveals the stark per-mile cost for road users. Based on the current pump price, drivers will spend roughly £173 on fuel for a 1,000-mile journey. Over the course of a year, covering the average annual mileage of 8,000 miles, this translates to a staggering fuel bill of around £1,384.
Diesel Drivers See Slightly Lower Rate
The situation for diesel vehicle owners is marginally better, though still costly. The current average diesel price stands at 146.21 pence per litre. With diesel cars typically achieving a higher fuel economy of around 43mpg, the cost per mile works out to approximately 15 pence.
This means diesel drivers can expect to pay about £154.36 for every 1,000 miles travelled. Their estimated annual fuel cost for 8,000 miles would be in the region of £1,234.
Festive Travel Set for a Costly Christmas
Simon Williams, the RAC's head of policy, expressed concern over the timing of the price hikes. He stated: “Drivers will be disappointed to see prices at the pumps rise so sharply in the run-up to the festive period.”
He highlighted the dual impact, noting: “Not only is it one of the most expensive times of the year, but it’s also a time when many of us drive hundreds of miles to celebrate with family and friends over the extended break, making it a costly Christmas on the roads.”
However, Williams offered a glimmer of hope for cost-conscious motorists, adding: “But it’s not all gloom, as filling up in the right place could save drivers a lot of money.” This advice underscores the importance of shopping around for fuel, as prices can vary significantly between different forecourts and regions.
The analysis confirms that December 2025 is proving to be an expensive month for road travel, adding further pressure to household budgets during an already costly season.
