A major shift in the UK's fuel landscape is underway, with a new report predicting that some London petrol stations will stop selling diesel before the end of this decade. The analysis signals a rapid decline for the fuel that once powered millions of British cars.
The 'Death of Diesel' Accelerates
The stark forecast comes from the think tank New AutoMotive in its aptly named "Death of Diesel" report. It states that while pinpointing an exact date is difficult, a clear trend is emerging. Many forecourts across the country are likely to cease stocking diesel throughout the 2030s. By the 2040s, the majority of stations that do not serve heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are expected to have removed it entirely.
The driving force behind this change is a dramatic collapse in demand. At its peak, the UK's roads were home to 12.4 million diesel cars. By June 2025, that number had already fallen to 9.9 million—a drop of over a fifth. The report projects this figure will plummet to just over 5 million by 2030 and to fewer than 250,000 by 2035.
Clearing the Air and Cutting Costs
Ben Nelmes, CEO of New AutoMotive, hailed the transition as essential for public health and the economy. "Ending the use of diesel is essential to clean up Britain’s choking cities," he said. "The UK is now rolling out electric cars at a rapid pace, and this is great news for everyone that enjoys clean air, quieter streets and really cheap running costs."
He also highlighted a significant economic benefit, noting that the UK imports billions of pounds worth of diesel annually. The switch to electric vehicles, powered increasingly by domestic renewable energy, is poised to make the nation "cleaner and wealthier."
A Better Replacement Has Arrived
Environmental expert Matt Finch drew a historical parallel, stating: "We didn’t leave the stone age because we ran out of stones, and we’re leaving the diesel age because we now have a far better replacement." He acknowledged diesel's past utility but confirmed its time is now passing.
The report concludes that the final brand-new diesel car registered in the UK will be sold in the near future. With fuel purchases declining and London leading the way, the change appears inevitable. As Nelmes summarised: "Where London leads, the rest of the UK is following. Its cleaner air and quieter streets mean that the big smoke will have to be renamed."
