UK Petrol & Diesel Prices This Week – 22 June 2026
UK petrol prices remain a major household cost for drivers nationwide. This week, the national average price of petrol (E10) stands at 156p per litre, while diesel (B7) averages 188.2p per litre across the country.
With fuel forming one of the largest ongoing expenses for motorists, even small regional differences can significantly impact weekly and monthly budgets.
National Petrol & Diesel Overview
Petrol (E10) is currently averaging 156p per litre nationwide based on the latest official UK Government Fuel Finder data. Diesel (B7) is averaging 188.2p per litre.
For a typical 55-litre family car, filling up with petrol at the current national average costs approximately £85.8. A full diesel tank costs around £103.5.
These totals highlight how even modest price movements can quickly affect household budgets. Compared with last week, petrol has edged down by a marginal 0.1p while diesel has risen by 0.3p, keeping the diesel–petrol spread near 32p — well above the long-run average and a persistent drag on the running costs of diesel-powered vehicles.
The relative stability at the national level masks more pronounced movement underneath. Wholesale petrol costs have softened slightly on the back of a stronger pound, but diesel refining margins remain elevated as European refinery capacity continues to tighten heading into the summer maintenance season.
Regional Differences Across the UK
Fuel prices vary considerably by location.
This week, Belfast is the cheapest major city for petrol at 150.2p per litre. Liverpool and Manchester also sit below the national average, benefiting from strong supermarket competition across the North West.
At the other end of the scale, Southampton is currently the most expensive major city, averaging 158.9p per litre. London remains near the top of the table as well, reflecting higher operating costs and limited supermarket penetration in central boroughs.
The gap between the cheapest and most expensive cities now stands at 8.7p per litre.
For drivers filling a 55-litre tank, that regional difference equates to roughly £4.8 per fill-up — a meaningful saving simply by choosing the right forecourt.
Northern Ireland's lower fuel duty regime, combined with intense local competition, continues to keep Belfast and surrounding towns at the bottom of the UK price league. In mainland Britain, the cheapest fill-ups are concentrated in larger Northern and Scottish cities where multiple supermarket chains overlap.
Why Prices Vary by Region
Regional fuel prices are influenced by a combination of factors including:
- Local competition between forecourts
- Supermarket versus branded station pricing strategies
- Transport and distribution costs
- Urban versus rural operating expenses
Areas with strong supermarket competition often see tighter pricing, while regions with fewer stations can experience higher averages. This week the supermarket chains have been the main force holding petrol prices down. Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury's all trimmed their standard unleaded rates by 1–2p per litre across most regions, though branded sites such as Shell and BP have been slower to follow.
The lag between wholesale cost reductions and pump price adjustments is a well-documented phenomenon. When wholesale prices fall, supermarket forecourts typically pass on savings within five to ten days, while branded stations can take up to three weeks. This asymmetry creates recurring opportunities for drivers willing to shop around.
Diesel pricing tells a slightly different story. The premium for diesel over petrol has widened again this week, driven by a combination of reduced European diesel imports and continued strong demand from commercial fleets. For drivers of diesel cars, the case for actively comparing local prices is even stronger.
What This Means for Drivers
Fuel costs remain highly sensitive to location. While national averages provide a useful benchmark, individual motorists can often save several pounds per tank by comparing nearby stations.
Over the course of a year, even a £5 saving per tank can add up to over £250 for drivers filling up weekly. With diesel running more than 30p per litre above petrol, the absolute savings available to diesel drivers are larger still — a 55-litre diesel fill-up costs over £100 at the national average, so a 5p per litre difference between forecourts is worth around £2.75 every time.
Monitoring prices locally remains one of the simplest ways to reduce overall motoring costs. Drivers in cities where multiple supermarket chains operate should pay particular attention to price drops triggered by competitive pressure, as these often begin at one chain and spread to others within days.
For broader trends and historical context, our insights page tracks weekly average movements and brand-level pricing data across the UK.
Find the Cheapest Fuel Near You
To compare live pump prices in your area, use find cheapest fuel near you. The site uses official UK Government data updated regularly to help drivers identify the best local prices.
You can check current prices in Birmingham, Edinburgh, or Leeds for a local snapshot, and compare Tesco forecourt prices against nearby branded stations to find the cheapest option.
Prices vary by region — see current fuel prices in London for a local snapshot.