Pump prices climb at quickest pace since 2024 as fuel costs hit NEW HIGH for motorists
- Perry Richardson
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Average UK pump prices rose sharply in November, marking the fastest monthly increase in more than eighteen months, according to the latest figures from RAC Fuel Watch.
Petrol climbed 2.17p per litre to 137.17p, its highest level since mid March 2025. Diesel rose even more steeply, adding 3.84p to reach 146.57p per litre, a price last recorded in late August 2024.
The data indicates a renewed upward trend following several months of relative stability. Industry analysts note that fluctuations in wholesale markets have been pushing costs higher, though RAC did not provide detail on specific supply factors behind November’s rise. The organisation described the increases as unwelcome for households already facing seasonal spending pressures.
Supermarket forecourts saw similar movement in November, though prices remain below the UK average. Unleaded at major retailers increased by 2.46p to 134.48p per litre while diesel rose 3.6p to 143.08p. The gap continues to influence where price sensitive drivers refuel, particularly those operating commercial or high mileage vehicles.
RAC data shows November brought the steepest monthly jump in petrol and diesel prices since April 2024, adding pressure on drivers ahead of the Christmas period
The increases mean filling a typical petrol family car now costs £75.44, up from £74.25 at the end of October. At supermarkets the same fill costs £73.69. Diesel vehicle owners are paying an average of £80.61 for a full tank, up £2.11 over the month, with supermarket users paying £78.69. Such movements remain closely watched by trade operators, delivery fleets and taxi firms that absorb fuel volatility directly into operating margins.
Northern Ireland continues to report significantly lower pump prices than the UK average, with unleaded at 129.6p per litre and diesel at 137.7p. The persistent disparity has raised operational considerations for cross-border transport and logistics operators, although the drivers behind the regional gap were not outlined in the RAC’s summary.
Compared with the same period last year, petrol is marginally higher by about 0.5p per litre and diesel more than 4p dearer. The November rises also follow the Chancellor’s Budget confirmation that fuel duty will begin increasing from its current 52.95p per litre rate next September. The change will remove the temporary 5p duty cut introduced in spring 2022, setting up a higher tax burden for motorists, commercial fleets and passenger transport providers that rely on petrol and diesel vehicles.
The combination of rising wholesale costs and next year’s scheduled duty increase is expected to feature in budget planning across sectors dependent on road transport. Businesses operating tight margin models, including last mile delivery firms and taxi operators, will be assessing how sustained price pressure could influence pricing strategies in early 2026.
RAC Head of Policy, Simon Williams, said: “Drivers will be disappointed to see prices at the pumps rise so sharply in the run-up to festive period. Not only is it one of the most expensive times of the year, it’s also a time when many of us drive hundreds of miles to celebrate with family and friends over the extended break, making it a costly Christmas on the roads.
“But it’s not all gloom, as filling up in the right place could save drivers a lot of money. The best way to locate the cheapest possible petrol or diesel is to download the myRAC app and use the fuel finder feature to locate the lowest prices near you. Every penny really does count, as each 1p less per litre saves around 55p a tank for an average family-size car.”
