UK Drivers Urged to Fill Up Now as Petrol Prices Set to Rise Further
Motorists across the United Kingdom are being strongly advised to fill their vehicles with fuel as soon as possible, amid growing concerns that petrol prices are poised to increase once again. This urgent recommendation comes as average petrol prices at pumps have experienced a slight but consistent rise over the past two weeks, following a period of steady decline since mid-December.
Current Petrol Price Trends and Statistics
The average price of petrol in the UK has now reached 131.71 pence per litre, marking a noticeable increase from 131.46 pence recorded on February 9th. While this figure remains significantly lower than the peak of 191.55 pence per litre witnessed in July 2022 during the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, experts caution that the downward trend has definitively paused.
Expert Analysis on Global Factors Driving Price Increases
Industry specialists attribute this recent uptick in petrol prices to global market volatility, with Brent crude oil climbing above $71 per barrel – the highest level since July 2025. This surge is primarily driven by heightened tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Additionally, economic policies such as former US President Donald Trump's tariffs are creating waves across international markets, further contributing to the instability.
Tony Redondo, Founder of Cosmos Currency Exchange based in Newquay, provided detailed insights in a statement to Newspage. He explained, "The recent rise to 131.71p per litre signals a definitive pause in the downward trend UK drivers enjoyed earlier this year. This uptick is primarily driven by global volatility, with Brent crude climbing above $71 per barrel – the highest since July 2025 – due to heightened tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict."
Domestic Factors and Future Price Predictions
On the domestic front, while the 5p fuel duty cut remains in effect until September 2026, retailers are rapidly passing wholesale cost increases onto consumers at the pumps. Redondo further noted, "Domestically, while the 5p fuel duty cut remains in place until September 2026, retailers are rapidly passing these wholesale increases to the pumps. 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."
He emphasized that although prices are not approaching the record highs of 2022, the price floor has likely been reached. "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."
Potential Risks and Recommendations for Drivers
Experts warn that if a major supply disruption occurs, such as direct military action involving the United States and Iran or a blockage of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, petrol prices could spike even further. In light of these factors, the advice to drivers is clear: act now to secure fuel at current rates before anticipated increases take effect. This proactive approach could help mitigate the impact of rising costs on household budgets, especially as economic uncertainties persist globally.
