Petrol and diesel drivers could face £100 fines for running out of fuel while searching for cheaper prices, experts have warned. The warning comes as fuel costs rise amid the Iran conflict.
Highway Code Rule 97
Lee Puffett, managing director of Start Rescue, acknowledged that all motorists are "feeling the pinch" of elevated petrol and diesel prices. He added: "Driving several miles out of your way or making a dedicated trip to fill up could mean paying more overall and possibly running out of fuel altogether, especially as more drivers run their cars to near empty due to high costs."
Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that drivers must have adequate fuel or charge for their journey, particularly when travelling on motorways. Running out of fuel on the motorway can lead to a £100 fine and three penalty points for careless driving, in addition to any recovery charges, Mr Puffett highlighted.
Advice for Drivers
He continued: "Driving further to save a small amount could be expensive if your vehicle breaks down due to fuel starvation and you don't have breakdown cover, which includes running out of fuel." He advised monitoring local fuel forecourts and filling up when the fuel gauge shows roughly a quarter tank.
Wholesale Price Trends
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "The sudden spike in the price of crude oil due to the latest tensions in the Middle East is likely to be a setback for drivers." While the price of unleaded at the pumps has fallen by more than a penny since peaking on 15 April at 158.31p, analysis of wholesale costs shows petrol is now more expensive for retailers to buy than at any time since the war began. However, diesel, which has come down by 3p a litre, is currently well below its highest wholesale price since the start of the conflict, so should fall further.
The switch in wholesale cost trends is partly due to the time of year as the market for petrol tends to increase in the spring as people in the US begin to drive more, whereas the price of diesel often reduces as Western Europe's use of heating oil lessens as temperatures warm up.
