Seven UK regions now exceeding 2012 record high petrol price

Image: Getty

With a new record high petrol price of 142.94p set on Sunday 24 October, the RAC today reveals that the cost of unleaded in seven UK regions has now exceeded the previous high of 142.48p a litre reached on 16 April 2012.

The latest RAC Fuel Watch data* shows that Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber are the only places in the UK where the average cost of a litre of petrol is still below the old record price.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said:

“With oil now at $86 a barrel and retailers taking more margin per litre than they did nine and half years ago, it surely won’t be long before every nation and region of the UK, perhaps apart from Northern Ireland, exceeds the 2012 high petrol price of 142.48p a litre.

“These high prices will be hurting households and businesses everywhere and could have a damaging effect on the economy at a time when it is recovering from the worst impact of the pandemic.

“We urge the Government to help ease the burden at the pumps by temporarily reducing VAT and for the biggest retailers to bring the amount they make on every litre of petrol back down to the level it was prior to the pandemic.”

Find out more about UK petrol and diesel priceson the RAC website.

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
More than 2,500 motorists caught drink-driving three or more times in the last 11 years
RAC analysis uncovers scale of repeat drink‑driving as more than 220,000 drivers hold alcohol‑related convictions
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
RAC renews partnership with Mercedes-Benz Cars UK to 2028
The RAC has renewed its roadside assistance contract with Mercedes-Benz Cars UK. Through to 2028, the RAC will continue to operate a network of Mercedes-Benz branded mobile technicians, all equipped with specialist Mercedes-Benz diagnostic equipment, to support Mercedes-Benz customers wherever they are in the UK, whenever they require assistance.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Pothole pain persists: Vehicle breakdowns where poor roads were to blame rose 15% last year
RAC patrols attended an average of 71 breakdowns a day because of potholed roads, up from 62 in 2024
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 British motoring organisation and has been championing drivers since 1897. Today it is one of the UK’s most trusted brands, 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