Motorists are being urged to shop around for cheaper fuel as diesel prices hit a new UK record, with the average cost now just shy of £2 a litre.
Drivers are being warned to compare prices before filling up as the latest figures show diesel has climbed to 199.18p a litre.
That is above the previous record of 199.09p a litre, set in June 2022, according to the RAC.
Petrol prices have also continued to rise, with unleaded now averaging 174.13p a litre.
The soaring cost of filling up is putting further pressure on households, with research from the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) showing that some drivers are already cutting back on journeys and other household spending to afford fuel.
Drivers urged to check prices before filling up
MaPS is encouraging motorists to compare local forecourt prices before making a trip to the pumps.
Anna Sharkey, Head of Money and Pensions Policy and Propositions at the Money and Pensions Service, said:
“Diesel prices hitting £2 a litre in some areas is a blow for households already under sustained financial pressure.
“We know that for many drivers cutting back is simply not an option, so it is vital people shop round for the cheapest fuel in their area, as even small savings can make a big difference.
“To find the cheapest prices in your area, use the free MoneyHelper petrol price finder tool and visit the website for further free guidance on budgeting, bills and benefits.”
The RAC said the latest diesel price means filling an average family car now costs almost £110, around £31 more than it did at the start of the US/Iran conflict.
A typical petrol fill-up now costs nearly £96.
Almost one in five drivers cutting back
Research published by MaPS in June found that 17% of drivers said they could afford fuel but sometimes had to cut vehicle use or household spending to pay for it.
A further 2% said fuel was simply unaffordable.
Overall, 60% of drivers surveyed said they were concerned about the cost of fuel.
Yet just over half – 51% – knew which petrol station near their home offered the cheapest fuel.
The figures are based on a YouGov survey of 2,111 UK adults carried out between April 30 and May 6, 2026. Of those surveyed, 1,370 paid for fuel for a petrol, diesel or hybrid vehicle and drove it at least once a week.
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How to find the cheapest petrol and diesel
The free MoneyHelper Petrol Price Finder allows drivers to compare petrol and diesel prices in their area.
It uses data from the Government's Fuel Finder service, with UK filling stations required to report price changes within 30 minutes.
Drivers enter their location and the type of fuel they need to see local prices.
MoneyHelper also warns motorists not to drive too far out of their way for a cheaper pump price.
Its guidance says drivers should avoid driving more than two miles for every 1p saved per litre, as the extra fuel used could wipe out the saving.
Other ways to reduce fuel consumption include checking tyre pressures, driving smoothly, reducing speed and removing unnecessary weight from the vehicle.
With diesel now at its highest average price on record, even a small difference between forecourts could make a noticeable difference to drivers who fill up regularly.
What's the most expensive fuel you've seen? Tell us in the comments below.
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