Fuel Prices Plunge: Road‑weary Drivers Rejoice!
It’s finally a good day for the petrol‑pit crowd. The average price of a litre of fuel on the forecourt is at an all‑time low in almost three years, and that’s more than a splash of relief for anyone who gets in the car every few weeks.
How low are we talking?
- Diesel: 144.4p per litre
- Petrol: 139.7p per litre
These figures come straight from the RAC, and they’re a mix of drama, relief, and almost disbelief.
RAC says it’s a ‘great’ big win for motorists
Simon Williams, the spokesperson for RAC fuel, swore by the news, calling it a “great deal for drivers.” He points out that shoppers can actually pull off a bargain if they take the time to compare.
“Some supermarkets and enterprising independent forecourts now sell petrol for as low as 132p a litre, and sometimes even cheaper,” he added.
Why the sudden drop?
The fuel slump is thanks to two simple things: the World’s oil market slumped and the pound takes a comfy dip against the dollar.
- Oil prices: They’ve dipped because there’s more supply than demand.
- Currency: A stronger pound means a cheaper dollar, and since oil trades in U.S. dollars, the purchase price falls.
Simon emphasises, “The hope is that this trend of falling prices continues. Our aim is that wholesale savings turn into pump bargains so each driver gets a honest deal.”
AA sharpens the point
And we got the AA to weigh in. Edmund King – the president – says the only reason the pumps are so cheap now is the 5p fuel duty cut. He goes on to warn: “Reversing that cut could spike costs by a whopping £3.30 per tank. That’s a hit on budgets for some of the 28% of drivers who careful budget to drive.
That’s a whopping ~9 million private motorists, many of whom juggle tight budgets and transportation expenses.
Bottom line
In the short term, the road is a little friendlier. Take advantage of supermarket deals, appreciate the lower wholesale pump prices and keep your mind on that next tank. With such a big drop, it’s probably a good time to think of that way‑back dream of a new car or a weekend road trip—without the petrol‑pump nag that used to bite at your wallet.
