Drivers Urged to Fill Petrol Tanks Friday as Prices Could Hit £2 per Litre
Motorists across the UK are being strongly advised to fill up their petrol tanks this Friday as experts warn that fuel prices could soon reach a dizzying £2 per litre. This urgent recommendation comes from Fuel Watch, the RAC's petrol and diesel price monitoring initiative, which aims to ensure fair pricing at forecourts nationwide.
Current Price Landscape and Expert Warnings
The current highest petrol price in the UK stands at 160p per litre, with major supermarkets like Asda, Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Morrisons averaging around 129p. The lowest recorded price is 120p, while the highest is 137p, showing a significant 17p difference between the extremes. Tony Redondo, founder of Newquay-based Cosmos Currency Exchange, stated on Friday, February 27, "The recent rise to 131.71p per litre signals a definitive pause in the downward trend UK drivers enjoyed earlier this year."
Redondo explained that this uptick is primarily driven by global volatility, with Brent crude oil climbing above $71 per barrel – the highest since July 2025. This surge is attributed to heightened tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Domestically, while the 5p fuel duty cut remains in place until September 2026, retailers are rapidly passing wholesale increases to consumers at the pumps.
Short-Term Predictions and Strategic Advice
Barring a major supply disruption, such as direct military action involving the US and Iran or a blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, prices are expected to settle between 133p and 135p in the short term. Redondo emphasized, "While we aren't approaching the 191p record highs of 2022, the price 'floor' has likely been reached. It is wise to fill up now if you find a station near the current average, as retail prices typically rise much faster than they fall."
RAC data reveals that average petrol prices throughout 2025 were 135.69p per litre, while diesel averaged 142.96p – both showing a decrease compared to 2024. Simon Williams, head of policy at the breakdown service RAC, highlighted the potential of the Fuel Finder scheme to push prices even lower in the future. "We hope this is the start of the journey to cheaper fuel prices around the UK," said Williams. "The Government has set up this scheme with the intention of increasing competition among retailers to give drivers better value at the pumps."
In summary, with petrol prices on a sharp upward trajectory due to international factors, drivers are encouraged to take advantage of current rates before potential hikes make refueling significantly more expensive. Keeping an eye on local forecourt prices and utilizing tools like Fuel Watch can help motorists navigate these challenging economic times.
