Motorists across the United Kingdom are facing a significant and unwelcome increase in fuel costs as the festive season approaches. The average price of both unleaded petrol and diesel rose at its most rapid pace in a single month since April 2024, marking a sharp end to the autumn.
Sharp Increases Hit Petrol and Diesel Pumps
According to the latest data from the RAC, petrol pump prices increased by 2.17p per litre in November. This hike pushes the average cost of a litre of unleaded to 137.17p, which is the highest price recorded since mid-March 2025.
The rise for diesel was even more pronounced, with a jump of 3.84p per litre over the same period. The average litre of diesel now stands at 146.57p, a price level not seen by drivers since late August 2024.
The Real Cost for Family Drivers
These wholesale increases translate directly into heavier costs at the till for the average driver. To fill up a typical family petrol car now costs approximately £75.44, which is an increase of £1.19 since the end of October. Those using supermarket forecourts pay a slightly lower average of £73.69.
For diesel vehicle owners, the financial impact is greater. A full refill now averages £80.61, up by £2.11 since the start of November, with the supermarket equivalent costing £78.69.
RAC Warns of a 'Costly Christmas on the Roads'
RAC head of policy, Simon Williams, commented on the disappointing timing of the price surge. He stated on Thursday, "Drivers will be disappointed to see prices at the pumps rise so sharply in the run-up to the 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," he added.
However, Williams also offered a note of practical advice to help mitigate the expense. "But it’s not all gloom, as filling up in the right place could save drivers a lot of money," he said.
He recommended using tools like the myRAC app's fuel finder feature to locate the cheapest fuel locally, emphasising that every penny saved per litre equates to around 55p off a full tank for an average family car.
