News Beat
RAC warns fuel prices rising at fastest rate in 18 months
Data from the RAC Fuel Watch reveals average prices of both unleaded petrol and diesel rose at their fastest rates since April 2024.
Petrol pump prices went up 2.17p in November, taking the average cost of a litre to 137.17p – the highest price since mid-March 2025.
Diesel was up 3.84p in the month with the average cost of a litre now standing at 146.57p, a figure that drivers haven’t seen since late August 2024.
Supermarket prices also increased, with unleaded up 2.46p to 134.48p and diesel up 3.6p to 143.08p, though they remain significantly lower than the UK averages.
The cost of filling a family petrol car is now £75.44 (up £1.19 from £74.25 at the end October), with those using supermarket forecourts paying £73.69. A full diesel refill costs £80.61 on average, up £2.11 since the start of the month, and £78.69 at a supermarket.
The RAC is urging drivers to make sure they are choosing the right place to fill up their car by comparing petrol prices ahead of time.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Drivers will be disappointed to see prices at the pumps rise so sharply in the run-up to festive period.
“Not only is it one of the most expensive times of the year, it’s also a time when many of us drive hundreds of miles to celebrate with family and friends over the extended break, making it a costly Christmas on the roads.
“But it’s not all gloom, as filling up in the right place could save drivers a lot of money.
“The best way to locate the cheapest possible petrol or diesel is to download the myRAC app and use the fuel finder feature to locate the lowest prices near you.
“Every penny really does count, as each 1p less per litre saves around 55p a tank for an average family-size car.”
