UK Petrol & Diesel Prices This Week – 29 June 2026
UK petrol prices remain a major household cost for drivers nationwide. This week, the national average price of petrol (E10) stands at 155.5p per litre, while diesel (B7) averages 186.8p 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 155.5p per litre nationwide based on the latest official UK Government Fuel Finder data. Diesel (B7) is averaging 186.8p per litre.
For a typical 55-litre family car, filling up with petrol at the current national average costs approximately £85.5. A full diesel tank costs around £102.7.
These totals highlight how even modest price movements can quickly affect household budgets. Both fuel types have eased this week — petrol by 0.5p and diesel by 1.4p — marking the second consecutive week of downward movement and the first meaningful diesel drop since mid-May.
The diesel reduction is the more significant development. A 1.4p fall narrows the diesel–petrol spread to 31.3p, still elevated by historical standards but moving in the right direction for diesel drivers. Wholesale diesel costs have softened as additional refining capacity comes back online after maintenance, easing some of the supply pressure that pushed margins up earlier in the month.
Regional Differences Across the UK
Fuel prices vary considerably by location.
This week, Belfast is the cheapest major city for petrol at 149.7p per litre. Glasgow and Manchester also remain comfortably below the national average.
At the other end of the scale, Southampton is currently the most expensive major city, averaging 158.4p per litre. London continues to sit among the most expensive cities, while Birmingham has moved slightly above the national average this week.
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.
The North–South price gradient remains a consistent feature of the UK market. Northern Ireland, Scotland, and the North of England benefit from both lower operating costs and intense supermarket rivalry. Southern England, by contrast, sees higher site rents, fewer supermarket forecourts in some areas, and greater reliance on branded stations that tend to price more conservatively.
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's diesel fall has been led almost entirely by supermarket chains. Asda, Tesco, and Sainsbury's all cut their diesel pump prices by 2p per litre or more across most regions, while branded operators such as BP and Shell have been slower to respond.
The pattern is familiar: when wholesale costs fall, supermarkets lead and branded stations follow, often with a lag of one to two weeks. For drivers in areas with strong supermarket representation, this lag creates a window where savings are available at the pump before the market fully adjusts.
Rural areas continue to face a structural premium. With fewer competing forecourts and higher distribution costs, some rural filling stations remain 10p or more above the nearest city average, a gap that weekly fluctuations rarely close.
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. For diesel drivers, this week's fall is welcome but still leaves a full tank costing over £100 at the national average — every penny of local price difference therefore matters.
Monitoring prices locally remains one of the simplest ways to reduce overall motoring costs. With the downward trend now into its second week, drivers should watch for further cuts at supermarket forecourts, which typically signal the next move in the wider market.
For longer-term trends and brand-level comparisons, visit our insights page for weekly average data and historical context.
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 Liverpool, 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.