RAC predicts fuel prices rises following sterling's slump

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “The unexpectedly sharp fall in the value of the pound will make the wholesale price of fuel go up. Sadly, it’s also happened at a time when the oil price appears to be rising again so the combined effect will be bad news for motorists. We’re likely to see the price of both petrol and diesel increase by around 3p a litre in the next fortnight.

“Oil has gained $6 a barrel since OPEC announced at the end of last month that it is finally going to move to cut production potentially signalling an end to its two-and-a-half-year oversupply strategy. The physical cost of a barrel finished trading on Thursday at just over $50 – a price not seen since 9 June when the pound was worth $1.45 as opposed to $1.26, and the average price of unleaded and diesel was around 111p a litre.

“With the pound now worth so much less, there can be no other outcome than an unwelcome increase at the pumps from the current national averages of 113p for petrol and 114p for diesel.”

Press team

Press team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
Record diesel price looms
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "The price of diesel continues to move steadily towards a new all-time high. A litre now averages 197.31p across the country, meaning it's just under 2p (1.78p) from surpassing the 199.09p record set on 25 June 2022, although we’re aware of many forecourts already charging in excess of this.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
RAC warns intense summer sun will lead to even more potholes
Summer heatwaves have baked already brittle road surfaces
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Fuel prices rise by a penny in 24 hours
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Average pump prices have jumped by yet another penny in just a day. Petrol has now broken through the £1.70-a-litre barrier and stands at 170.54p – its highest since 23 August 2022 – and diesel has risen to 192.86p – its highest since 29 July 2022. Unfortunately for hard-pressed drivers, prices look set to keep on rising due to the cost of a barrel of oil consistently trading over the $100 mark.
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.

About the RAC

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.

Contact

media.rac.co.uk