Taxi drivers and motorists finally welcome fuel price drop after 46-day surge, RAC data shows
- Perry Richardson
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Fuel prices across the UK have started to decline following 46 consecutive days of increases, according to new analysis from the RAC.
Petrol has dropped below 158p per litre and diesel below 191p for the first time since 8 April, signalling a potential turning point after weeks of sustained rises driven by higher wholesale costs linked to the Middle East conflict.
Data shows petrol peaked at 158.31p on 15 April before falling to 157.97p by 17 April. Diesel followed a similar trend, dropping from 191.54p to 190.94p over the same period. Despite the recent easing, prices remain significantly higher than at the end of February, when petrol stood at 132.83p and diesel at 142.38p, representing increases of 18.9% and 34.1% respectively.
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said: “After 46 days, the cost of
both petrol and diesel across the country has finally begun to drop very slightly. Wholesale prices are still lower, so we’re hopeful there will be further reductions amounting to several pence a litre in the coming days.”
Petrol and diesel costs edge down as wholesale prices ease, offering early relief to drivers and fleet operators
He added: “After record rises, drivers will be relieved to finally see prices going the other way. While we’re a long way from a return to the prices we had at the start of the conflict, there’s now a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.”
For taxi and private hire drivers, fuel remains one of the largest operational costs, and even modest reductions could ease pressure on margins. However, with prices still well above pre-conflict levels, sustained declines will be needed before any meaningful recovery in driver earnings or fare stability is realised.
