This hub tracks average UK pump prices for unleaded petrol and diesel, the most recent week-on-week movement, and the supply-side factors behind it. Numbers are updated from the RAC Fuel Watch and the AA Fuel Price Report, each of which publishes weekly and monthly snapshots across thousands of UK forecourts.

Where to check the current number

The most reliable weekly source for a UK pump average is the RAC Foundation pump price dataset, which is republished every Monday. The AA Fuel Price Report adds context on regional spread and supermarket-versus-non-supermarket gaps.

What moves UK pump prices

  • Brent crude price. The single biggest driver. Pump prices typically track Brent on a two-to-three week lag.
  • Sterling-dollar rate. Crude is priced in dollars. A weaker pound raises UK forecourt costs even when the crude price is flat.
  • Refinery margin. The gap between wholesale crude and finished petrol/diesel. Widens in summer driving season, during refinery outages, and on geopolitical risk.
  • Fuel duty. Currently frozen at 52.95p per litre on petrol and diesel. Any change is announced at the Budget or Autumn Statement.
  • VAT. 20% charged on the total, including duty.
  • Retail margin. Supermarket forecourts typically undercut independents and branded stations.

Why the Middle East matters for your pump price

The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly a fifth of global oil supply. When the waterway is disrupted (as during the 2026 Iran crisis) Brent spikes and UK pump prices follow on a short lag. Our separate geopolitics coverage tracks the shipping situation directly; the household-cost version lives here.

How to cut your fuel bill

  • Shop at supermarket forecourts. Supermarket diesel is typically 4-8p per litre cheaper than branded stations.
  • Use a fuel-price-comparison app (PetrolPrices, Waze Fuel) to find the cheapest station within a five-mile radius.
  • Avoid motorway services. Prices can be 15-25p per litre higher than supermarket equivalents.
  • Check tyre pressure monthly. Under-inflated tyres can cut fuel efficiency by 3%.