Motorists in the UK are being urged to refuel their vehicles before Tuesday evening to avoid potential price increases. Experts from National Scrap Car recommend that drivers fill up on Monday or Tuesday when fuel prices typically offer the best value. This advice comes as fuel prices are known to fluctuate daily, with many drivers filling up on weekends, often leading to higher costs.
According to the analysis, filling up early in the week can be a strategic move. As demand increases on Fridays and Saturdays, prices tend to rise. The spokesperson for National Scrap Car stated, “Fill up early in the week. We typically see prices rise towards the weekend, with Friday and Saturday being the most expensive days due to increased leisure travel.”
Despite these recommendations, Andrew Marshall, a representative from CarMoney, cautioned that the savings from refueling on a specific day may be minimal. He noted, “The fluctuations in fuel prices over a weekly period will be very minimal, and refueling on a Monday compared to a Wednesday will probably not change your fuel bill by a noticeable amount.”
As of now, the average cost of petrol in the UK stands at 135.6p per litre, while diesel prices have slightly increased to 143.98p per litre from 142.91p at the end of October, according to RAC Fuel Watch.
Upcoming Budget Could Impact Fuel Prices
This week’s refueling strategy may be especially important in light of potential changes in fuel duty. Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, is expected to announce her Autumn Budget, which may include an increase in fuel duty by as much as 5p per litre. This would reverse the temporary reduction implemented by the Conservative government in 2022. If this change occurs, it could increase the cost of filling up the average family car by approximately £4.
Additionally, Reeves may propose new pay-per-mile fees for electric vehicle (EV) owners beginning in 2028, along with adjustments to Vehicle Excise Duty bands. These potential changes are likely to add financial pressure on road users across the UK.
Given these anticipated developments, refueling early in the week could be a prudent choice for drivers looking to minimize costs. With fuel prices in constant flux and the possibility of additional taxes on the horizon, the advice from experts suggests that taking action sooner rather than later may yield benefits for motorists.
