Katerina Swanson
The car fuel used in Scotland is the same as in the rest of the UK, with petrol and diesel being the most common fuels. In June 2022, the average cost of petrol in Scotland was around £1.13 per litre, or £83.71-£89.21 for a 55-litre tank. The price of fuel in Scotland can vary depending on location, with rural and island petrol stations typically being more expensive than those in towns. Additionally, fuel prices tend to be higher in remote areas of the Scottish Highlands and on the west coast near Skye, where some stations are closed on Sundays.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average fuel price for a 55-litre tank of petrol | £83.71 - £89.21 |
| Average fuel price per litre | 158.70p/litre - 162.20p/litre |
| Average fuel price in rural areas | £1.19 |
| Average fuel price in cities | £1.13 |
| Average fuel price in supermarkets | Cheaper than elsewhere |
| Types of fuel available | Petrol, diesel, electric |
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What You'll Learn
- Diesel and unleaded petrol are widely available at most Scottish petrol stations
- The average cost of a full tank for a 55-litre family car in Scotland is over £100
- The price of fuel in rural Scotland tends to be much higher than in towns
- The price of fuel in Scotland is determined by factors such as location, theoretical mpg, type of driving, and fuel cost
- Supermarkets in Scotland, such as Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Morrison's, usually offer cheaper fuel prices
Diesel and unleaded petrol are widely available at most Scottish petrol stations
For example, in remote parts of the Scottish Highlands, finding a petrol station can be challenging. In contrast, most big supermarkets in Scotland's towns and cities have petrol stations, including larger branches of Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, and Asda. Well-known international brands such as Shell, BP, and Esso (Exxon in the USA) are also present.
The cost of petrol in Scotland tends to be higher in rural and island areas compared to urban stations. East Dunbartonshire has been identified as the area with the most affordable fuel in Scotland, while areas like Angus and Dumfries & Galloway have higher fuel prices relative to the average weekly wage.
Additionally, diesel fuel is readily available at most filling stations in Scotland, including in the Scottish Highlands, a popular tourist destination. Diesel cars generally have better fuel consumption than petrol cars, allowing them to cover more significant distances on a single tank of fuel.
It is worth noting that fuel prices in Scotland, like the rest of the UK, have been rising due to various factors, impacting both petrol and diesel prices.
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The average cost of a full tank for a 55-litre family car in Scotland is over £100
In 2022, the average cost of filling a 55-litre family car in the UK exceeded £100 for the first time. This was due to the high price of fuel, which averaged £1.22 per litre, resulting in a cost of £100.27 to fill a 55-litre tank with petrol. The cost of diesel fuel was even higher, at £103.43 for a full tank.
These prices reflect the general trend of fuel costs being higher in affluent countries. For example, Iceland and Norway have some of the most expensive fuel prices globally, with a full tank costing around £60. However, there are exceptions to this trend, as seen in the Netherlands, where fuel prices are the highest in the OECD, at £61.74 per tank.
In contrast, the USA has the lowest petrol costs among OECD countries, with a litre of fuel priced at 57p, resulting in a much lower cost of £23.94 to fill a tank.
The high fuel prices in the UK and other affluent countries can be attributed to various factors, including taxes, oil prices, and exchange rates. These prices have a significant impact on households, with many families relying on their cars for daily transportation.
In Scotland, fuel costs can vary, with rural areas typically charging more for fuel than urban areas. Supermarket petrol stations, such as Morrisons in Fort William, often offer more competitive prices than independent garages. When planning a road trip in Scotland, budgeting for fuel costs is essential, especially when covering long distances or driving less fuel-efficient vehicles.
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The price of fuel in rural Scotland tends to be much higher than in towns
The Scottish and UK governments have not ruled out specific measures to tackle rising petrol prices, but they have implemented a £37 billion package to help families cope with the wider cost of living crisis. This includes a £400 energy bill discount for Scottish households.
The higher fuel prices in rural areas have been acknowledged by the Scottish government, which has published research on the higher living costs in these regions. The research focuses on discussions with people from various households in remote rural mainland and island areas to identify minimum needs and budgets. It calculates the percentage uplift required in these areas to meet a minimum acceptable living standard.
To save money on fuel, it is recommended to fill up in larger towns or at supermarket petrol stations, which often have cheaper prices. Additionally, MoneySavingExpert.com and RAC offer advice on making your car more fuel-efficient, such as keeping your tires inflated and decluttering your car.
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The price of fuel in Scotland is determined by factors such as location, theoretical mpg, type of driving, and fuel cost
The price of fuel in Scotland is influenced by various factors, including location, theoretical miles per gallon (mpg), type of driving, and the overall fuel cost.
Location plays a significant role in fuel pricing, with prices in rural areas of Scotland, such as the Scottish Highlands, tending to be higher. This is due to the increased cost of transporting fuel to remote locations. Additionally, the type of driving, such as frequent acceleration and deceleration in urban areas or long-distance driving on highways, can impact fuel efficiency and, consequently, the overall fuel cost.
Theoretical mpg, or fuel consumption, varies between different vehicles and can significantly affect fuel costs. More efficient vehicles with higher mpg will generally have lower fuel costs compared to less efficient ones. For example, an efficient automatic car with an average mpg of 45 may cost around £110 for a trip, while a campervan with an mpg of 35 may cost approximately £150 for the same distance.
The overall fuel cost is influenced by the global price of crude oil, which is affected by geopolitical tensions, production quotas, and natural disasters. The refining process of crude oil also impacts fuel prices, with costs rising as refineries upgrade their facilities to meet environmental standards. Additionally, government policies and taxes, such as fuel duty and VAT, can significantly contribute to the final retail price of fuel.
It's worth noting that fuel prices in Scotland were generally lower than the UK average in March 2024, ranging from 144.9 to 161.2 pence per liter. However, prices can vary over time due to fluctuations in the global oil market and changes in government policies.
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Supermarkets in Scotland, such as Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Morrison's, usually offer cheaper fuel prices
In Scotland, car fuels include petrol, diesel, and liquid petroleum gas (LPG). While fuel prices can vary, supermarkets in Scotland, such as Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Morrisons, often offer cheaper fuel prices. These supermarkets are part of the UK's big four, which also includes Asda, known for their competitive fuel prices.
Fuel prices at supermarkets can be monitored through apps and websites, with some resources specifically dedicated to tracking fuel prices in Scotland and the UK. For example, the RAC's Fuel Watch initiative helps ensure fair pricing and calls on retailers to pass on savings to drivers when wholesale prices dip. Additionally, the myRAC app allows users to find the cheapest fuel options within a specified distance.
Customer reviews of the GetRoadTrip app highlight its ease of use and accuracy in providing local petrol prices, making it useful for planning trips and calculating fuel costs. The app also enables users to compare fuel prices across different supermarkets and plan trips based on fuel efficiency.
While fuel prices can vary based on numerous factors, including the global price of crude oil and exchange rates, supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Morrisons are often a good choice for drivers seeking more competitive fuel prices in Scotland. These supermarkets are widely accessible and provide convenient options for motorists looking to save money on their fuel expenses.
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Frequently asked questions
Petrol and diesel are the most common types of fuel used in cars in Scotland.
The cost of car fuel in Scotland varies depending on location. In June 2022, the average cost of a 55-litre tank of petrol ranged from £83.71 in East Dunbartonshire to £89.21 in Angus. In rural and remote areas, petrol tends to be more expensive.
Petrol stations can be found throughout Scotland, especially in towns and cities. Most big supermarkets, such as Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrison's, and Asda, have petrol stations. International brands such as Shell, BP, and Esso are also present.
Yes, there are differences in fuel prices between cities and rural areas in Scotland. Petrol prices in cities tend to be lower, around £1.13 per litre, while in rural areas, prices can be higher, reaching £1.19 per litre.
