UK petrol and diesel drivers urged to fill up before 10am on Friday

Fuel prices are tipped to hit a record high this week as a result of the ongoing conflict in Iran

Petrol and diesel drivers in the UK have been advised to fill up their fuel tanks before 10am on a Friday in order to save money, as the price of fuel is expected to hit an all-time high next week.

Gordon Wallis, an expert at Interfuels, has cautioned that the time motorists visit the pumps can have a significant impact on both price and efficiency. Fuel costs can fluctuate several times throughout the day, with changes influenced by wholesale market movements, local competition and consumer demand.

This means refuelling early in the morning can offer its benefits, with charges likely increasing by late morning and around lunchtime as new wholesale prices are factored in.

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The advice comes as the price of petrol and diesel is forecast to spike to its most expensive level since April over the coming days, as the war in Iran continues.

Motorists are currently paying an average of 169.68p per litre for unleaded petrol and 191.68p for diesel, according to figures from RAC Fuel Watch on Monday, September 14. Costs have also exceeded the diesel peaks of 191.54p recorded on April 15, as the Middle East conflict continues to push up oil prices.

Motorists are now confronting some of the steepest prices seen in recent years. Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said fuel prices are now at levels not witnessed since early August 2022, just a few months after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Mr Williams told GB News: “With oil well over $100 (£74.20) a barrel, there’s no end in sight to high pump prices and the pain it brings to drivers who depend on their vehicles. In fact, the average price of diesel may be on the way to overtaking the record high of 199.05p set on June 25, 2022.”

He added: “Petrol, however, is still a long way from its all-time record of 191.53p on July 3, 2022.”

Retailers don’t always update their forecourt displays straight away, so there can be a brief window where costs are marginally lower and reflecting the previous day’s figures. At a time when petrol and diesel prices are continuing to climb almost daily, capitalising on lower wholesale rates can be vital.

Gordon Wallis told the Express: “By late morning, many retailers have already adjusted their prices to reflect overnight changes in wholesale costs. That means drivers filling up around midday are often paying a premium. Late morning and early afternoon tend to be busy periods, with people stopping during errands, commutes or lunch breaks. When demand is steady, there is less pressure on retailers to keep prices low.”

Gordon added that for motorists refuelling regularly, selecting the right time of day could save over £100 annually. He said: “Midday is often one of the busiest times at service stations. Refuelling earlier or later can mean shorter queues and a smoother visit overall.

“Tracking patterns at your local station and adjusting your habits accordingly can help you avoid paying more than necessary,” he added. “In a period of higher fuel costs, these small, practical steps can make a real difference over time.”

Timing might not be the only factor that matters, with motorists advised to fill up before the weekend surge.

Motoring specialists at Save at the Pump, an advice platform providing guidance on reducing fuel expenses, disclosed that Friday and Saturday are usually the most costly days to refuel.

The experts noted that drivers can anticipate being charged approximately 1-3p per litre more towards the end of the week and through the weekend. If forecourt prices still reflect the preceding day’s wholesale cost during the morning hours, filling up at 10am on Friday morning might be the final opportunity to benefit from the lowest rates.