UK motorists urged to shop around for cheapest fuel as diesel prices hit record high

• Motorists urged to compare prices before filling up the tank.
• Diesels prices hit £2 a litre putting further strain on household finances.
• MoneyHelper Petrol price finderOpens in a new window tool helps drivers find cheapest fuel in their local area.

UK motorists are being urged to shop around before filling up, as diesel prices hit record high levels.

Research published by MaPS in June found that almost one in five drivers were already cutting vehicle use or household spending to afford fuel.

Anna Sharkey, Head of Money and Pensions Policy and Propositions at the Money and Pensions Service, said:

“Diesel prices hitting £2 a litre in some areas is a blow for households already under sustained financial pressure.

“We know that for many drivers cutting back is simply not an option, so it is vital people shop round for the cheapest fuel in their area, as even small savings can make a big difference.

“To find the cheapest prices in your area, use the free MoneyHelper Petrol price finderOpens in a new window tool and visit the websiteOpens in a new window for further free guidance on budgeting, bills and benefits.”

The latest figures from the RAC show diesel has reached a new UK record of 199.18p a litre, overtaking the previous June 2022 high of 199.09p, while petrol is now averaging around 174.13p.

The MaPS survey from June revealed 17% of drivers said they can afford fuel, but sometimes have to cut vehicle use or household expenses to pay for it, while 2% said it was simply unaffordable for them. Of the drivers surveyed three in five (60%) said they were concerned by the cost of fuel, but just over half (51%) knew which petrol station close to their home offered the cheapest fuel.

The MoneyHelper Petrol price finderOpens in a new window tool uses data from the government’s fuel finder service and covers all four nations of the UK. It not only allows users to manage their fuel costs and find the best price in the short-term, but crucially signposts them to further financial guidance through MoneyHelper, including budgeting tools, savings tips and help with benefits, supporting their long-term financial wellbeing.

To use the free tool, or for more impartial money and pensions guidance, visit MoneyHelperOpens in a new window.

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• MoneyHelperOpens in a new window is the free and impartial money and pensions guidance service operated by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS).
• All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2111 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 30 April - 6 May 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).
• 1,370 of the people interviewed pay for fuel for a petrol, diesel or hybrid vehicle and drive it at least once a week. They are referred to as “drivers” in this release.