UK Petrol & Diesel Prices This Week – 6 July 2026
UK petrol prices remain a major household cost for drivers nationwide. This week, the national average price of petrol (E10) stands at 155p per litre, while diesel (B7) averages 184.5p 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 155p per litre nationwide based on the latest official UK Government Fuel Finder data. Diesel (B7) is averaging 184.5p per litre.
For a typical 55-litre family car, filling up with petrol at the current national average costs approximately £85.3. A full diesel tank costs around £101.5.
These totals highlight how even modest price movements can quickly affect household budgets. Petrol has slipped a further 0.5p this week and diesel has fallen by 2.3p — the largest single-week diesel drop since early spring.
The diesel–petrol spread has now narrowed to 29.5p, down from over 32p just three weeks ago. This steady compression reflects easing wholesale diesel costs as European refinery output normalises and import flows strengthen. For diesel drivers, the cumulative effect is meaningful: a full tank now costs roughly £2 less than it did at the start of June.
Regional Differences Across the UK
Fuel prices vary considerably by location.
This week, Belfast is the cheapest major city for petrol at 149.2p per litre. Manchester and Glasgow continue to rank among the cheapest mainland cities.
At the other end of the scale, Southampton is currently the most expensive major city, averaging 157.9p per litre. London remains near the top of the table, and Bristol has edged higher this week, reflecting reduced supermarket competition in parts of the South West.
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 geographical pattern is stable but with clear tiers. Northern Ireland and Scotland sit in the lowest band, the North of England and Midlands form a middle tier close to the national average, and much of Southern England sits above it. Rural areas across all regions continue to carry a premium, particularly for diesel.
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. The continued diesel decline is being driven primarily by supermarket chains passing on wholesale savings. Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury's have all reduced diesel pump prices by 2–3p per litre this week across most of their estates.
Branded operators have begun to follow but remain behind the pace. Shell and BP stations are typically averaging 2–4p per litre more than the nearest supermarket for both petrol and diesel, a gap that has held remarkably steady through the recent falls.
Wholesale petrol costs have also softened modestly, helped by a stronger sterling exchange rate that reduces the cost of dollar-denominated imports. However, petrol's weekly fall has been smaller than diesel's, reflecting relatively firm demand for unleaded during the summer driving season.
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 now below 185p for the first time in over two months, diesel drivers are seeing the first real relief of the summer — but local price differences remain wide enough that comparing forecourts still pays.
Monitoring prices locally remains one of the simplest ways to reduce overall motoring costs. The current downward trend appears likely to continue in the short term, particularly for diesel, though petrol may find a floor as summer demand supports volumes.
For weekly trend analysis and brand-level price data, visit our insights page.
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 Asda 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.