Petrol hits 161p a litre — highest since 2022 — as 20 million drivers face record bank holiday getaway
Diesel now averages 183.4p a litre, with a full tank costing drivers £100 — up from £79 a year ago — amid accusations that retailers are profiteering.Thunderstorm warnings across much of England and Wales add further misery for the 20 million drivers expected on roads this bank holiday weekend.The AA's Luke Bosdet warned pump pricing is "back to its worst: too often over-priced and uncompetitive," as petrol hits 161.6p — a four-year high.Middle East conflict and US-Iran tensions have pushed wholesale costs higher, contributing to the record bank holiday getaway pressure on Britain's forecourts.
Filling up a family car will cost drivers around £89 this bank holiday weekend after petrol surged to 161.6p a litre, its highest level in nearly four years. Diesel has climbed to 183.4p a litre, adding further pain at the pumps as Middle East conflict keeps pushing global oil prices up. The AA's Luke Bosdet warned that UK pump pricing is 'back to its worst — too often over-priced and uncompetitive'. A tank of diesel now costs £100, compared to just £79 at last year's August bank holiday.
The RAC estimates 20 million leisure car journeys will be made this weekend — the busiest bank holiday on record since its data began in 2015.
The Competition and Markets Authority accused fuel retailers this summer of 'lack of effective competition', saying too many are too slow to pass wholesale price cuts to customers.
Drivers heading away on Friday are advised to leave before 10am to beat peak traffic, and to bring water in case they get stuck in queues during the warm weather.
