The Cost of Fuel and How to Save Petrol

Do fuel prices vary by region?

Yes, petrol and diesel prices can vary dramatically from region to region in the UK. Fuel can sometimes be more expensive in rural locations than in urban areas, and neighbouring towns can have completely different fuel prices.

The main driver of petrol prices is how much competition there is and whether there’s competition from supermarkets. Fuel is generally cheaper in bigger towns and cities since there are more retailers competing to offer the cheapest fuel.

Remote areas can be subject to higher fuel costs because of less competition, and also because it might be more expensive to run a petrol station in these areas, with higher delivery costs. That said, in 2012 the Government introduced a 5p rural fuel duty discount to help rural communities where the price of fuel was deemed to be negatively affecting residents. As a result, the cost of fuel can actually be lower in certain rural locations.

And of course, motorways are infamous for their high fuel prices, so if you want to save on petrol, always avoid filling up when you’re on the motorway.

How to save on petrol

With petrol and diesel prices reaching record highs, fuel efficiency is now more important than ever. While the cost of fuel is out of your control, there are steps you can take to improve fuel efficiency and save money.

Here are eight top tips to help you save on petrol:

1. Refuel at the supermarket.

Petrol prices at supermarkets are typically a few pence cheaper than elsewhere, so fill up when you do your supermarket shop to reduce your fuel costs.

2. Use loyalty schemes.

Lots of petrol stations run some form of loyalty scheme - sign up to save a little each time you fill up.

3. Drive smoothly.

Try to accelerate and brake smoothly for better fuel efficiency, as harsh stopping and starting uses more gas.

4. Reduce weight and drag.

Empty your boot and take off roof racks when you don’t need them to lighten your load and help reduce the cost of fuel for your journey.

5. Check your tyre pressure.

Keep your tyres inflated to the correct pressure as low tyre pressure increases resistance on the road, which means you’ll burn more fuel.

6. Switch off the air con.

Air con uses a surprising amount of fuel, so use it sparingly. The same goes for demisters and headlights - if you don’t need them, switch them off.

7. Refuel when it’s cool.

The best time to get fuel is early in the morning or late at night, when it’s cooler outside. Fuel is denser when it’s cooler, so you’ll get slightly more bang for your buck.

8. Maintain your vehicle.

Get your vehicle serviced regularly - a car with clean oil and fresh filters will run more efficiently. And you’ll reduce the risk of big bills further down the line.

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