Motorists Urged to Avoid Fueling After 5pm to Save Money
Petrol and diesel owners are being advised to avoid filling up their vehicles after 5pm, as experts warn that costs can be significantly higher during peak hours. Rebecca Bebbington, a Personal Finance expert at NetVoucherCodes, has highlighted that motorists who top up past this time are likely to pay more for their fuel.
She explained: “Petrol prices can fluctuate throughout the day, with prices typically lower during off-peak hours. Try to fill up your tank early in the morning or late at night to take advantage of potentially lower prices. Avoid peak times such as midday and after 5pm when the majority of the country finishes work.”
Expert Opinions on Fuel-Saving Strategies
Martin Lewis, the founder of MoneySavingExpert and a well-known BBC and ITV personality, has also previously cautioned road users about fuel costs. He noted: “Talk of filling up at night getting you more is a slight urban myth, as the difference is minuscule pennies at best. Fuel pumps are calibrated by volume, so fill up at night when it's colder and you get a tiny, tiny bit extra.”
This advice comes amid growing concerns over rising fuel prices, with some motorists reporting exorbitant costs at specific service stations.
Outrage Over High Diesel Prices at Service Stations
Recent incidents have sparked outrage among drivers, such as at Rivington Services on the M61 near Bolton, Lancashire, where regular diesel was being charged at 200.9p per litre. Lorry driver Jenna Baxter, 35, expressed her frustration: “It is ridiculous. It is an absolute rip-off. It’s even gone up a penny since yesterday – it was 199.9p yesterday when I had to fill up and now it’s 200.9p. I’ve had to fill up again today and it’s cost me £500 today. I’ve heard that stations are running out of diesel.”
She added that other stations, like Charnock Richard, are awaiting deliveries, and some in Rotherham had no diesel available, highlighting supply issues.
Another lorry driver, Ian Lomax, 57, described the situation as “daylight robbery” and criticized the high prices: “They are taking the p***. I don’t pay for it personally but £2 a litre is ridiculous. If I was paying for it out of my own pocket I would be watching where I fill up and where I go meticulously. Companies are going to be passing on the extra cost. I’m glad I’m not paying for it.”
These accounts underscore the financial strain on motorists and the importance of strategic fueling to mitigate costs.
