Jet Fuel Costs In The Uk: An Overview

how much is jet fuel in the uk

The price of jet fuel is a dynamic figure that can vary based on numerous factors, including regional demand and market trends. As of 2023, the global average jet fuel price was $92.92 per barrel, with regional variations. In the United Kingdom, jet fuel prices have been recorded at 85.5 barrels for $24.07 in 2025. These prices can significantly impact the aviation industry, with the cost of fuelling a large aircraft like the A380 reaching approximately £205,000. Understanding jet fuel prices is essential for airlines and travellers alike, influencing operational costs and travel budgets.

Characteristics Values
Global average jet fuel price $92.92/bbl
Jet A1 fuel price in the UK 85.5 bbl/$
Average petrol price at Jet in the UK £1.32
Cost to fill an A380 with fuel £205,000

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Jet A1 fuel prices

The price of Jet A1 fuel is closely aligned with the price of oil, which varies daily. For example, in May 2020, the price of Jet A1 was 69% lower than the previous 12 months.

As of January 2022, a Jumbo Jet (Boeing 747-400) flying from London to New York would burn approximately 70,000 kilograms of fuel, costing around £53,500. This equates to approximately 82,300 litres of fuel, with a specific gravity of 0.85.

The A380 can hold approximately 315,000 litres of fuel, costing around £205,000 to fill. Airlines often hedge their fuel purchases, agreeing to buy a set quantity at a set price. This means that if the price of fuel increases, the airline is protected from the rise. However, if the price decreases, the airline will be paying more than necessary.

According to JET-A1-FUEL.com, the price of Jet A1 fuel in the United Kingdom is 85.5 bbl/$. However, this information is dated for 24 July 2025 and may not be reflective of the current price.

The Jet Fuel Price Monitor provides more recent data, with the global average jet fuel price for the previous week at $92.92/bbl, a decrease of 0.3% from the week before. These prices are based on daily assessments of jet fuel spot prices in relevant regional markets.

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Fuel prices at UK petrol stations

Fuel prices in the UK vary considerably when compared to other nations. Diesel in many other countries is generally cheaper than in the UK, as it is often taxed less heavily. The UK tax rate on petrol and diesel is identical. The high level of tax affects the price of a litre of fuel significantly. Even if the fuel was given away, the price of a litre would still include duty and VAT.

According to the UK Petroleum Industry Association (UKPIA), there are around 8,300 filling stations in the UK. Supermarkets dominate fuel sales, despite only operating around a fifth of the forecourts. Independents operate around two-thirds of the country's filling stations but are only responsible for just over a third of all fuel sold. The remainder is accounted for by sites owned by the supplying oil company, such as Shell, BP, Esso, Texaco, and TotalEnergies.

There are various ways to save money on fuel. Driving efficiently is one way to save money, and there are guides available to help with this. Knowing the cheapest filling stations in your area can also help, and it is worth looking beyond supermarkets as some independent retailers can be cost-competitive. Using the Fuel Finder feature of the free myRAC mobile app can help you find the cheapest forecourts. Some credit card companies offer cashback for spending money at filling stations, which can offset higher fuel prices.

Websites such as PetrolPrices.com and RAC Drive allow users to compare fuel prices at UK petrol stations. Confused.com also provides a map of UK fuel prices.

The Weight of Aviation Fuel: 1 Litre

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How much fuel a jumbo jet burns

The amount of fuel burned by a jumbo jet depends on several factors, including the aircraft's weight, payload, engine efficiency, flight path, and weather conditions.

A jumbo jet, such as the Boeing 747, burns approximately one gallon of jet fuel per second, or 10-11 tonnes of fuel per hour, when cruising. During a five-hour flight, a Boeing 747 will burn approximately 18,000 gallons of fuel. To put this into perspective, this is equivalent to burning 27 gallons of fuel per person for a fully occupied flight of 200 passengers.

The largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, consumes slightly more fuel than the Boeing 747 due to its higher capacity. It burns approximately 4,600 gallons of fuel per hour, totalling around 23,000 gallons for a five-hour flight. The A380 can hold approximately 315,000 litres of fuel, costing approximately £205,000 to fill.

The cost of jet fuel also varies depending on the region and the current market price. The global average jet fuel price recently stood at $92.92 per barrel, while the price of Jet A1 fuel in the United Kingdom was quoted as 85.5 barrels for $85.50. These prices can fluctuate, and the actual cost of jet fuel for airlines may be influenced by factors such as hedging and the need to maintain fuel reserves.

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The cost of filling an A380

The Airbus A380 is a large commercial aircraft known for its high passenger capacity and long-haul capabilities. According to various sources, the total fuel capacity of the A380 ranges from approximately 315,000 litres to 320,000 litres. This fuel capacity is distributed across multiple fuel tanks within the aircraft, including inner tanks, mid-tanks, engine feed tanks, and outer tanks.

Now, let's discuss the cost of filling an A380. Jet fuel prices can vary globally and fluctuate over time. As of late July 2025, the price of jet fuel in the United Kingdom was quoted as 85.50 dollars per barrel. However, jet fuel is typically sold by the gallon or litre, and prices may vary based on local market conditions. As of September 2023, the global average jet fuel price was around 92.92 dollars per barrel, but this may not reflect the price in the UK specifically.

To estimate the cost of filling an A380, we can use a fuel capacity of 315,000 litres, as mentioned earlier. At a price of 85.50 dollars per barrel, assuming each barrel contains 159 litres of jet fuel, the cost of filling an A380 would be approximately 178,395 dollars. In British pounds, this would be roughly £147,160. It's important to note that this estimate assumes a full fuel load, but in practice, aircraft rarely carry maximum fuel to optimise passenger and cargo load, as well as fuel efficiency.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the A380's fuel consumption is approximately 78 miles per gallon per passenger, which is significantly higher than that of the Concorde, which achieved 17 miles per gallon per passenger. This efficiency allows the A380 to optimise its range and fuel usage, ultimately impacting the overall cost of fuel for each flight.

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Global average jet fuel price

The price of jet fuel is determined by a variety of factors and fluctuates over time. As of the last update, the global average jet fuel price was $92.92 per barrel, a decrease of 0.3% from the previous week. This price is based on the Platts Jet Fuel Price Index, which reflects daily assessments of spot prices in relevant regional markets.

Platts, a division of S&P Global Commodity Insights, is the leading source for jet fuel price information. Their assessments are based on regional demand and are weighted accordingly in the regional baskets and the Global Composite Index. The Jet Fuel Price Index provides the latest price data, including the average prices paid at refineries worldwide. However, historical price data is not available through Platts.

The cost of jet fuel can vary across different regions and airports. For example, the price of jet fuel in the United Kingdom, as of July 24, 2025, was 85.5 barrels per $100 (£85.50 per barrel). This price may include additional costs, such as additives, which can affect the overall price of jet fuel in a specific region.

It's worth noting that the price of jet fuel can significantly impact the aviation industry. Airlines often hedge their fuel purchases to manage fuel price volatility. During the COVID-19 crisis, for instance, airlines incurred financial losses as they had to pay for hedged fuel even when they stopped operating flights. The cost of filling an A380 aircraft with approximately 315,000 litres of fuel is approximately £205,000.

While the global average jet fuel price provides a benchmark, regional and local factors can influence the price at a specific location. Additionally, the jet fuel market is dynamic, and prices can change rapidly due to various economic and geopolitical factors.

Frequently asked questions

The price of jet fuel varies over time and by region. As of June 2025, the average petrol price at Jet in the UK was 132. The cost to fill an A380 aircraft with fuel is approximately £205,000.

The price of jet fuel is influenced by demand and market assessments by organizations like Platts, which publishes a Jet Fuel Price Index based on daily evaluations of spot prices in relevant regional centers.

You can find recent jet fuel prices in the UK on websites such as Platts (spglobal.com/platts/en/oil/refined-products/jetfuel) and getroadtrip.app, which provides fuel price estimates and locates cheap petrol stations nearby.

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