RAC Issues 'Unprecedented' Fuel Price Warning Ahead of Easter Getaway
The RAC has issued an "unprecedented" warning to motorists, road users, and drivers as the petrol and diesel price crisis intensifies across the UK. This alert comes just ahead of the Easter holiday period, with a record 21 million leisure journeys anticipated on British roads.
Drivers Urged to Fill Up as Normal
In response to the escalating situation, the RAC is advising drivers to "fill up as normal" before Good Friday, which falls on April 3 this year. The Easter weekend continues with Easter Saturday on April 4, Easter Sunday on April 5, and Easter Monday on April 6.
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, emphasized the importance of preparation, stating: "Ahead of the Easter getaway, which is expected to be the busiest on the roads since 2022 with nearly 21m leisure journeys planned, we urge drivers to fill up as usual and to use the myRAC app to find the cheapest forecourts near them."
Record-Breaking Fuel Price Hikes in March
The warning follows dramatic increases in fuel prices throughout March. The average price of unleaded petrol rose by 20p per litre, climbing from 132.83p on March 1 to 152.83p by the end of the month. Diesel prices saw an even more severe spike, increasing by 40p per litre to 182.77p from 142.38p.
These sudden hikes have significantly impacted drivers' wallets. For a typical 55-litre family car, the cost of filling up with petrol has increased by approximately £11, now totaling around £84.06. Diesel vehicles are facing an even steeper rise, with a full tank now costing over £100, an increase of about £22.
Unprecedented Monthly Increases
Simon Williams described the situation as truly unprecedented, noting: "March has been truly unprecedented – fuel prices have never risen this fast in a single month. But while this is the biggest pence-per-litre increase ever in a month, it’s not as great in real terms as those seen during the 1973 oil crisis when the price of a barrel quadrupled."
He further highlighted that the March 2026 increases far exceed those observed during the early stages of the war in Ukraine. Williams added: "While the monthly rise in a litre of petrol is bad enough, the jump in the cost of diesel is even harder to swallow at 40p a litre – 18p more than the previous monthly record."
Impact on Households and Businesses
With long-term RAC research indicating that eight in ten people rely on their vehicles, these soaring fuel costs are taking a heavy toll on both households and businesses. The financial strain is compounded by external factors, such as the Strait of Hormuz closure, which threatens to cause further chaos at UK pumps.
Motorists are already feeling the pinch, and the situation underscores the broader challenges facing road users during this critical travel period. As drivers prepare for the Easter getaway, the RAC's warning serves as a crucial reminder to plan ahead and seek out the most affordable fuel options available.
