UK petrol and diesel prices: what drivers are paying today

Petrol and diesel prices across the UK remain well above the levels many drivers were used to before recent years of fuel market turbulence, with the latest official UK fuel price data gathered from 7,813 forecourts showing standard E10 unleaded at an average of 160.7p a litre, or roughly £7.31 a gallon.

For drivers who choose premium E5 unleaded, the cost is noticeably higher at 178.1p a litre, equivalent to around £8.10 a gallon. That near 18p premium over standard unleaded reflects the higher refining specification of E5, which contains less ethanol and is often preferred by owners of older vehicles or performance cars whose engines are not rated for higher ethanol blends.

Diesel drivers are currently paying the most at the pump, with B7 diesel averaging 180.0p a litre, or about £8.18 a gallon. That puts diesel 19.3p a litre above standard unleaded, a gap that adds up quickly for high-mileage drivers or those running vans and larger vehicles. The official figures are updated throughout the day as forecourt data feeds in, so the national average can shift between morning and evening.

For anyone thinking about their overall motoring costs, it is worth knowing what their current car is worth before any changes in circumstance. Car.co.uk buys cars directly from private owners, offering a free instant valuation, free collection and payment by bank transfer. The site also provides free tools including a car valuation, an MOT history check, a car tax calculator and a car finance calculator, which can help drivers build a clearer picture of what they are spending.