Drivers paying 20p more for diesel than petrol even though wholesale prices are little different

Image: Getty. All rights reserved

Drivers are having to fork out a massive 20p per litre more for diesel than petrol despite there being little difference between the two fuels on the wholesale market, RAC Fuel Watchpricing analysis shows.

The wholesale price of diesel was just 6p more than petrol last week (121.06p compared to 115.48p), leaving drivers of diesel vehicles having to pay 168p a litre, compared to just 148p for unleaded.

The RAC calculates that if diesel was being sold at a fairer rate drivers would be paying no more than around 155p per litre, which would make the cost of filling an average 55-litre family car £7 less than it is today (£85.25, compared to the current £92.40).

RAC analysis shows retailers are currently taking more than double the margin on every litre of diesel they sell – just shy of a whopping 20p – compared to the 8.5p on unleaded, in effect subsiding petrol prices by charging more for diesel.

The RAC is calling on retailers to urgently cut the price of diesel to fairer levels, following the lead of membership-only retailer Costco which this week lopped 4p off diesel at its sites across the UK, meaning it is now charging an average of 154.7p – 13p less than the UK average and 11.5p less than the average at the UK’s big four supermarkets.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said:

“While our data shows petrol is generally being sold at a fair price at forecourts at the moment, drivers of the country’s 12m diesel cars – as well as almost every white van driver – have every right to feel hard done by as they’re paying a huge premium for the fuel which in no way reflects its lower wholesale cost.

“For nearly a month, the gap between wholesale petrol and diesel prices has been less than 10p a litre and in recent days it has reduced to just 3.5p, yet average diesel prices at the pumps remain stubbornly high having fallen by only 2p since the start of February. The fact membership-only retailer Costco has been able to cut the average price of a litre of diesel by a massive 4p this week shows what’s possible, but we badly need other fuel retailers to treat drivers of diesel vehicles fairly.

“Even though the price of diesel is not being cut as quickly as it should be, the gap between the average prices of petrol and diesel has dropped to under 20p (19.99p) for the first time since 10 October 2022. If retailers now do the right thing this should reduce significantly, saving drivers who rely on diesel a lot of money every time they fill up.”

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
Overhaul of road safety laws ‘much overdue’, experts say - RAC comment
Following the Government's plans to overhaul road safety laws, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "We look forward to seeing the detail of the Government’s forthcoming road safety strategy as too many lives are being lost on our roads every year. More clearly needs to be done to change that.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Leicester’s Sean Kimberlin named as RAC Mobile Mechanic of the Year
Qualified engineer, specialist technician and cancer survivor Sean Kimberlin has been named as the RAC’s ‘Mobile Mechanic of the Year’ in its prestigious employee awards ceremony at Silverstone.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
July sees fuel prices climb for second month running
Petrol goes up a penny while diesel jumps by almost 2p
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic UK brand, and provides complete peace of mind to more than 14.5 million UK private and business drivers - whatever their motoring needs. As well as its premium nationwide breakdown assistance service – with an expert branded patrol workforce attending more than two million breakdowns every year – and European breakdown assistance products, it offers a wide range of market-leading products across insurance, legal services, vehicle inspections and service, maintenance and repair. Included in this is the first-of-its-kind nationwide Mobile Mechanics service which brings the garage to homes and workplaces. 

At the forefront of new solutions for business fleets and consumers, the RAC’s breakdown service is electric-ready with mobile EV charging technology and be called on using myRAC – its all-in-one route planner, fuel finder and breakdown reporting app

Contact

press.office@rac.co.uk

media.rac.co.uk