Fuel Prices Are Back to the Upswing: A Rough Ride Through Rising Diesel and Petrol
For the first time in the last two decades, the petrol pump has become a battleground for budgets. September’s latest price numbers show that diesel up to a tidy 8p per litre now represents the fifth biggest monthly jump within 23 years—a figure that will have renters of SUVs, vans, and hybrids feeling the sting of an extra penny.
Petrol’s Perky Increase
- From 152.5p a litre, petrol shoots up to 157.0p—a climb of almost 5p.
- The rise is largely fueled by OPEC+ tightening global supplies, which has sent energy markets scrambling.
RAC’s Take on the Price Panic
Simon Williams, RAC’s fuel spokesperson, admits that drivers are on the hook again, saying, “Drivers are sadly really starting to suffer again at the pumps. There’s little respite whichever fuel drivers use.” He’s not one to beat around the bush. According to RAC’s Fuel Watch data:
- Petrol feels a bit overpriced at roughly 7p a litre.
- Diesel, meanwhile, is likely to climb higher in the coming weeks.
- Retailer margins appear skewed, especially for petrol, even after the Competition and Markets Authority hit the main supermarkets for overcharging drivers by £900 million in 2022.
What’s Going on Behind the Forecourt?
Simon warns that while many retailers have voluntarily started to publish their prices—a step toward transparency—wholesale price changes are not always reflected fairly on the pump. The result: fuel shoppers are left to guess how much an extra penny will cost their vehicle’s belly.
In short: you might have to keep a finger on the price wheel as you drive. Stay tuned, keep your wallet in check, and remember—every 8p or 5p can add up to a pretty big total over a month (or a year).
