Fuel Prices In Scotland: A Costly Affair

how much is fuel in scotland

Fuel prices in Scotland have been a concern for residents, with the cost of fuel consuming a significant portion of weekly wages. In 2022, the average cost of filling a 55-litre family car with petrol exceeded £100, with a litre of petrol costing around 180.7p. This has resulted in residents spending a higher percentage of their weekly wages on fuel compared to other regions in the UK, such as London and the South East. The situation is even more challenging in areas like Angus, where the average fuel price for a full tank consumes nearly 20% of the average weekly wage. While some regions in Scotland, like East Renfrewshire, have relatively affordable fuel prices, the overall trend indicates a financial strain on Scottish residents due to rising fuel costs.

Characteristics Values
Average price of petrol in Scotland £101.73 for 55 litres
Average price of petrol in Angus, Scotland £89.21 for 55 litres
Average price of petrol in Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland £87.28 for 55 litres
Average price of petrol in Edinburgh, Scotland £1.36 per litre
Average price of petrol in Scotland in September 2022 £180 for a full tank
Average price of petrol in the UK in September 2022 £150 for a full tank
Percentage of weekly wages spent on fuel in Scotland 15.3%
Percentage of weekly wages spent on fuel in London 11.8%
Percentage of weekly wages spent on fuel in the South East 12.95%
Percentage of weekly wages spent on fuel in East England 13.83%

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Average fuel price in Scotland: £1.36 per litre

As of July 2025, the average fuel price in Scotland is £1.36 per litre. This is based on the average price of Octane-95 gasoline in Edinburgh from 31 March 2025 to 7 July 2025.

This price is relatively higher than the average fuel price in previous years. For instance, in June 2022, the average cost of a litre of petrol in Scotland was around £1.80. This was an increase of 2.2p compared to the previous day, which was the largest daily jump in 17 years. As a result, the average cost of filling a typical family car with petrol exceeded £100 for the first time.

The high fuel prices in Scotland have had a significant impact on motorists and residents. In June 2022, it was estimated that residents of Scotland paid around 15.3% of their weekly wages for 55 litres of fuel, which is higher than the percentage paid in other regions of the UK, such as London and the South East. This has led to concerns about the financial hardship that rising prices, including those for fuel, gas, electricity, and groceries, are causing for people across Scotland.

While the Scottish government has implemented a temporary fuel duty cut to alleviate the burden of rising fuel costs, it is important to note that this measure is only temporary and may not be enough to offset the overall increase in fuel prices in the long run.

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Fuel costs as a percentage of weekly wages

Fuel costs in Scotland have been a concern for residents, especially those in rural areas, who depend on petrol for essential journeys. As of 2022, residents of Scotland were paying an average of 15.3% of their weekly wages for 55 litres of fuel. This is higher than in London (11.8%), the South East (12.95%), and the East of England (13.83%). However, it is lower than in other regions of the UK, such as the North East of England (17%), Northern Ireland (16.73%), Yorkshire and the Humber (16.65%), and Wales (16.35%).

The cost of fuel in Scotland has been increasing due to various factors. One reason is the increase in the price of crude oil, which is used to make petrol and diesel. Additionally, the weak pound against the dollar has made fuel more expensive, as oil is paid for in US dollars. These rising fuel costs have contributed to the wider cost-of-living crisis in Scotland, impacting day-to-day expenses such as energy bills, food, and rent.

The impact of fuel costs on weekly wages varies across different areas of Scotland. For example, in East Dunbartonshire, filling up a 55-litre tank of petrol (£83.71) accounts for 13.62% of the typical weekly wage (£618.60). In contrast, residents of Angus may spend up to 19.44% of their weekly wage (£459) on a single tank of petrol (£89.21). Similarly, in Dumfries & Galloway, a 55-litre tank of petrol (£87.28) can consume 19.43% of the average weekly wage (£449.10).

To manage fuel costs, some individuals opt for more fuel-efficient vehicles or follow fuel-saving driving techniques. However, with the cost of living crisis affecting people across Scotland, many are seeking debt advice and support to cope with rising expenses.

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Least affordable fuel in Scotland

Fuel prices in Scotland have been a concern for motorists, with the average cost of filling a typical family car exceeding £100 for the first time in June 2022. The average price of petrol was 180.7p per litre, an increase of 2.2p from the previous day, the largest daily jump in 17 years.

Angus has been identified as the area with the least affordable fuel in Scotland, with residents spending almost a fifth (19.4%) of their weekly wage (£459) on a tank of petrol (£89.21). This is despite the 5p per litre cut in fuel duty.

Dumfries and Galloway has the second least affordable fuel in Scotland, with residents paying 19.43% of their weekly wage (£449.1) towards a tank of petrol (£87.28). Moray, Inverclyde, Argyll and Bute, and Dundee also fare badly when it comes to the affordability of petrol, with residents paying between 18.64% and 19.21% of their weekly wages.

In contrast, East Dunbartonshire has the most affordable fuel in Scotland, with residents spending 13.62% of their weekly wage (£618.60) on a 55-litre tank of petrol (£83.71). East Renfrewshire has the second most affordable petrol, with a full tank costing residents 13.72% of their weekly wage.

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Most affordable fuel in Scotland

Fuel prices in Scotland have been rising, and the average cost of filling a typical family car with petrol often exceeds £100. The cost of fuel in Scotland depends on a variety of factors, including location, with prices varying even over short distances. For example, in March 2024, there was a 27p per litre difference between the prices of petrol at two filling stations that were a short drive apart.

There are tools available to help motorists find the cheapest fuel in their local area. For example, the myRAC app allows drivers to locate the cheapest fuel near them. Additionally, some credit card companies offer cashback for spending money at filling stations, which can offset higher fuel prices.

In 2022, a comparison of the average weekly wage in every local authority in Scotland with the average cost of a 55-litre tank of petrol showed that East Renfrewshire had relatively affordable fuel prices. In contrast, residents of Dumfries & Galloway, Moray, and Inverclyde were spending around 19% of their weekly wage on petrol, making it some of the least affordable fuel in Scotland.

Motorists can also save money on fuel by driving efficiently, such as by reducing their speed, avoiding idling, and keeping their vehicle properly maintained.

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Average fuel price in Edinburgh

Fuel prices in Edinburgh, Scotland, are similar to the average prices across the country. As of July 2025, the average price of Octane-95 gasoline in Edinburgh was 1.36 pounds per liter, with a minimum of 1.34 pounds on June 2, 2025, and a maximum of 1.38 pounds on March 31, 2025.

In September 2022, the average fuel price in Scotland was around 180 pounds, according to a user on Reddit. This can vary depending on the type of vehicle and driving habits. For example, for a campervan with a theoretical mileage of 35 miles per gallon, one would budget around 200 pounds for fuel, whereas an efficient automatic car with a mileage of 45 miles per gallon would cost approximately 110 pounds for the same distance.

Frequently asked questions

The price of petrol in Scotland has been rising. In June 2022, a litre of petrol cost around 180.7p. In Edinburgh, from March to July 2025, the average price of a litre of Octane-95 gasoline was 1.36.

The average cost of filling a typical family car with 55 litres of petrol can exceed £100. In June 2022, it was estimated that the price for 55 litres of fuel in Scotland was £101.73.

In June 2022, it was reported that Scots were spending around 15.3% of their weekly wages on 55 litres of fuel. In areas like Angus, with an average weekly wage of £459, filling a 55-litre tank costing £89.21 would account for 19.44% of their income.

Fuel costs can vary across Scotland, and remote areas may have higher prices. For a 1000 km (650-mile) trip in a campervan or small car, it is recommended to budget around £150-£200 for fuel.

While fuel prices may be similar or slightly higher in Scotland, the larger impact on budgets occurs because average wages are lower. London has the highest average weekly wage in the UK at £867, reducing the proportion spent on fuel.

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