UK drivers with diesel cars face £80 blow as RAC delivers price verdict

Drivers of diesel vehicles have been dealt another blow over the cost of filling up.

The RAC said diesel prices have surged for the fourth consecutive month, with the latest figures showing a 6p per litre increase since October last year.

Petrol prices have also risen over the past four months, but it is diesel car owners bearing the brunt, paying an average of 145.7p per litre.

Filling up a standard family car's tank is now around £80.15, which is putting significant financial strain on those driving long distances regularly. Annually, high-mileage drivers could be facing fuel costs of £4,167 if prices don't ease. That marks an increase of around £180, compared to four months ago, reports the Mirror.

Simon Williams from the RAC said: "It's not been a good start to 2025 for drivers at the pumps with prices going up for the fourth month in a row. Sadly, filling up is now nearly £3 more expensive than it was at the start of October.

"We hope this trend won't continue and that prices drop back down again. Much, of course, depends on global oil supply and demand."

However, Mr Williams said there could be some good news on the horizon. He explained: "While the price of oil can be notoriously volatile, there's reason to think forecourt fuel prices may get cheaper in the coming months as some analysts are predicting an average oil price nearer to $70 this year."

Diesel cars, which used to be sought-after for their efficiency, have experienced a dip in popularity, partially due to the emissions scandal.

According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), January 2025 witnessed just 8,625 new diesel car registrations in the UK, marking a 7.7 percent decline from prior figures and now constituting a