Cost of filling up a family car continues to rise - latest RAC statement and data

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As today's figures show fuel prices rising once again, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said:

"The average price of diesel has jumped by nearly 3p a litre since yesterday/Monday to 173.83p. This means it's now gone up 31.5p since 28 February, a 22% increase. Petrol also shot up by 1.4p to 148.55p a litre, its biggest daily increase since 3 March. Petrol has now risen 15.7p a litre, or 11.8%.

"Diesel looks likely to break the 180p-a-litre mark in the next week or so, and if it goes on to reach 182p the price of a tank for a family car would breach £100. If petrol climbs to 150p, as seems inevitable, it will take the cost of a fill-up to £82.50."

Petrol

Diesel

Unleaded daily change

Unleaded change - since 28/2

Unleaded % change since 28/2

Diesel daily change

Diesel change - since 28/2

Diesel % change since 28/2

28/02/2026

132.83

142.38

+0.2

0

0.0%

+0.2

0

0.0%

24/03/2026

148.55

173.83

+1.4

+15.7

11.8%

+2.7

+31.5

22.1%

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The RAC is an iconic British driving services brand and has been championing drivers since 1897. Today it is one of the UK’s most trusted names, providing complete peace of mind ® to over 15 million drivers across breakdown cover, insurance, and mobile servicing and repairs.

Its nationwide patrol force attends more than two million breakdowns every year, while its position as the UK’s leading independent insurance broker helps motorists find the right cover with confidence. The RAC has also reshaped the service, maintenance and repair market with its Mobile Mechanics, who carry out servicing and repairs at drivers’ homes or workplaces.

Committed to innovation, the RAC is fully electric ready with mobile EV charging technology for stranded drivers, and a suite of digital and data‑led solutions that make motoring easier and more affordable for consumers and fleets. These services come together in myRAC – the all‑in‑one app for vehicle maintenance, cheaper fuel finding and breakdown assistance.

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