Katerina Swanson
The average cost of motor fuel in the UK has been on the rise, with diesel prices skyrocketing and petrol costs also increasing. In March 2025, ultra-low sulphur unleaded petrol averaged £1.36 per litre, while ultra-low sulphur diesel averaged £1.43 per litre. These prices are expected to lead to motorists spending over £1,000 on fuel per car annually. The fuel economy of vehicles plays a significant role in overall costs, with cars that have higher fuel efficiency costing less to run. In 2020, the average new diesel car in Great Britain used five litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, while new petrol cars consumed 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres. Additionally, the type of vehicle impacts fuel consumption, with the growing popularity of SUVs and pickup trucks contributing to an upward trend in average fuel usage per vehicle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption of new light-duty vehicles (LDVs) in 2019 | 6.3 litres of gasoline equivalent per 100 kilometres (Lge/100 km) |
| Average fuel consumption of new diesel cars in 2020 | 5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres travelled |
| Average fuel consumption of new petrol cars in 2020 | 5.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres travelled |
| Average cost of motor fuel in March 2025 | £1.36 per litre for ultra-low-sulphur unleaded petrol and £1.43 per litre for ultra-low-sulphur diesel |
| Average cost of petrol for a car driving 5,000 miles a year | £861 |
| Average cost of petrol for a car driving 12,000 miles a year | £2,067 |
| Average cost of petrol for a car driving 6,000 miles a year with 55 mpg | £676 per year |
| Average cost of petrol for a car driving 6,000 miles a year with 25 mpg | £1,488 per year |
| Average annual fuel cost for a petrol car with average fuel economy and average mileage | £1,051 |
| Average annual fuel cost for a diesel car with average fuel economy and average mileage | £1,257 |
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What You'll Learn
Fuel cost calculators
Firstly, the type of fuel your car uses is important. The two most common car fuels are petrol and diesel, with petrol being more common and having a larger share of the new car market. Diesel fuel has a higher energy content and is more thermally efficient, making it more economical for long-distance driving. However, diesel fuel is typically more expensive, and diesel cars tend to be more costly. Other types of fuel include super unleaded petrol and LPG.
Secondly, the mileage you drive is a significant factor in fuel costs. Fuel calculators will ask you to input your mileage or the routes you typically drive to estimate your fuel costs. Driving less frequently and maintaining a steady speed can help reduce fuel consumption.
Thirdly, the make and model of your car can impact fuel efficiency. Some cars have better fuel economy than others, and this information can usually be found in the vehicle specifications. Electric cars, for example, tend to have lower running costs, but their higher price tags may be a consideration for some.
Other factors that influence fuel prices include the competition among petrol stations in an area, retailer profit margins, and the cost of delivering fuel to the stations.
Using a fuel cost calculator is straightforward. You input the relevant information, such as fuel type, mileage, and vehicle make and model, and the calculator will provide an estimate of your fuel costs. Some calculators also allow you to compare fuel prices in different areas and provide forecasts of price changes. By using these tools and adopting fuel-saving driving habits, you can make significant savings on your fuel expenses.
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Average fuel consumption
The average fuel consumption of cars in the UK varies depending on the type of fuel and vehicle. In 2020, the average new diesel car in Great Britain consumed 5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, while new petrol cars consumed 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres. This translates to an average of 55 mpg for diesel cars and 49.6 mpg for petrol cars (assuming 1 litre of fuel = 1.85 km or 1.15 mpg).
The fuel efficiency of a car can have a significant impact on fuel costs. For example, a car that achieves 55 mpg and drives 6,000 miles per year would spend £676 per year on petrol, while a car that achieves 25 mpg and drives the same distance would spend £1,488.
In March 2025, the average cost of motor fuel in the UK was £1.36 per litre for ultra-low-sulphur unleaded petrol and £1.43 per litre for ultra-low-sulphur diesel. With these prices, motorists are expected to spend over £1,000 on fuel per car this year, with diesel cars generally accumulating more miles and resulting in higher overall annual fuel costs.
The average fuel consumption of light-duty vehicles (LDVs) in the UK has also been on an upward trend since 2017. In 2019, the average fuel consumption of new LDVs was 6.3 litres of gasoline equivalent per 100 kilometres, which is 12% below the global average. This increase in fuel consumption is driven by the growing market for SUVs and pick-up trucks, as well as a reversal in fuel economy improvements.
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Fuel economy improvements
While there are no precise figures for the average fuel usage of a car in the UK, several factors influence fuel economy. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that almost 2.7 million light-duty vehicles (LDVs) were sold in the UK in 2019, with an average fuel consumption of 6.3 litres of gasoline equivalent per 100 kilometres (Lge/100 km). This figure represents a 12% improvement over the global average.
However, the IEA also notes that improvements in fuel economy have slowed in recent years, with a stagnation or worsening of fleet fuel economy in 27 countries, including the UK, between 2015 and 2017. To address this slowdown and meet sustainability goals, the IEA recommends several measures:
- Policy interventions: Countries with policies that encourage fuel economy through regulations and purchase incentives have seen faster improvements. For example, the UK has retained EU regulations that set average emissions targets for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, with plans to phase out new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030.
- Reducing vehicle weight: Lighter vehicles generally have better fuel efficiency. This can be achieved by removing unnecessary items from the boot or passenger seats and detaching roof racks, roof boxes, or extended wing mirrors when not in use, as they can increase drag and reduce aerodynamics.
- Improving aerodynamics: Reducing drag is crucial for fuel economy. Keeping windows closed while driving at higher speeds can help, as open windows increase drag and reduce fuel efficiency.
- Optimising tyre pressure and wheel weight: Maintaining correct tyre pressure and reducing wheel weight can significantly improve fuel economy. Underinflated tyres can lead to excessive heat and increase fuel consumption.
- Driving at efficient speeds: Driving at higher speeds on motorways or expressways can reduce fuel economy, especially for large or heavy vehicles with small engines. Using cruise control can help maintain a steady speed and improve fuel efficiency.
- Minimising hard acceleration: Vehicles typically use the most fuel when accelerating. Planning journeys to minimise acceleration and deceleration, such as avoiding congested areas or multiple traffic lights, can improve fuel economy. Maintaining a constant speed on smooth routes is ideal.
- Lubrication and maintenance: Regular servicing, lubrication of moving parts, and replacing air and oil filters can reduce friction and improve fuel economy. Using high-quality engine oil lubricants can also help maintain engine health and improve fuel efficiency.
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Fuel type and cost
The fuel type and cost for your car will depend on several factors, including the type of fuel your car uses, how many miles you drive, and your car's MPG.
The most common fuel types for cars in the UK are unleaded and super unleaded petrol, diesel, and LPG. In March 2025, the average cost of motor fuel was £1.36 per litre for ultra-low sulphur unleaded petrol and £1.43 per litre for ultra-low sulphur diesel. The average cost of fuel can vary depending on your location, with some areas having higher prices than others.
The amount of fuel your car consumes will depend on its fuel efficiency and how many miles you drive. For example, a car with good fuel efficiency, such as the Skoda Octavia, can achieve around 67.3 mpg, while a car with poor fuel efficiency, like a Land Rover Discovery or Mercedes S500, may only get 26-27 mpg. The more miles you drive, the more fuel you will use and the higher your overall fuel costs will be. For example, a car that drives 5,000 miles a year will cost around £861 in petrol, while a car that drives 12,000 miles a year will cost nearly £2,067.
The type of fuel your car uses can also impact your overall fuel costs. Diesel cars typically have lower fuel consumption levels than petrol cars. In 2020, the average new diesel car in Great Britain used five litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, compared to 5.4 litres for new petrol cars. However, diesel cars tend to accumulate more miles per year, which can result in higher overall fuel costs.
To calculate your fuel costs, you can use a fuel cost calculator, which takes into account factors such as fuel type, mileage, and MPG. This can help you budget for your fuel expenses and make informed decisions about your car's fuel efficiency.
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Annual mileage
The annual mileage of a car is a key factor in determining its fuel efficiency and overall fuel costs. While the average mileage for a petrol car is around 6,100 miles per year, diesel cars tend to accumulate more miles, averaging around 8,300 miles annually. This results in higher overall fuel costs for diesel cars.
The fuel efficiency of a car, measured in miles per gallon (mpg), plays a significant role in determining fuel costs. Cars with higher mpg ratings will generally have lower fuel costs over time, even with higher annual mileage. For example, a car that achieves 55 mpg will cost its owner £676 per year in petrol, while a car with poorer fuel efficiency, at 25 mpg, will cost the driver approximately £1,488 per year.
The Skoda Octavia, for instance, boasts an impressive real-world mpg of 67.3, resulting in significantly lower fuel costs compared to less fuel-efficient vehicles such as the Land Rover Discovery or Mercedes S500, which average only 26-27 mpg.
The type of fuel used also impacts annual mileage. New diesel cars generally have lower fuel consumption than new petrol cars. In 2020, the average new diesel car in Great Britain consumed 5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, while new petrol cars consumed 5.4 litres. However, diesel cars often have higher annual mileages, contributing to their overall higher fuel costs.
Additionally, external factors such as driving conditions, vehicle load, and cold starts can influence fuel efficiency and, consequently, annual mileage. These factors may explain why SUV/pick-up truck sales segments have experienced a significant increase since 2005, now representing 39% of LDV sales in 2019. Despite improvements in fuel economy, average fuel consumption has been on an upward trend from 2017 to 2019 due to these external variables.
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Frequently asked questions
The average fuel consumption of new cars in the UK varies depending on the type of fuel and the year. In 2020, new diesel cars consumed 5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, while new petrol cars consumed 5.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres.
The amount spent on fuel per year depends on the car's mileage and fuel type. Motorists spend an average of £1,051 a year on petrol and £1,257 a year on diesel for cars with average fuel economy and average mileage.
You can reduce your fuel costs by improving your car's fuel efficiency. Newer cars tend to have better fuel efficiency, so upgrading to a newer model may save you money in the long term. Additionally, implementing tips to improve your car's fuel efficiency, such as proper maintenance and driving habits, can help reduce your overall fuel costs.
