Petrol and diesel surge again - how Yorkshire drivers can find cheap local fuel
Yorkshire Evening Post· 631 words · 4 min read
Tools like Fuel Finder can help motorists locate the cheapest fuel nearby
Fuel prices have surged to their highest levels in years, leaving Yorkshire drivers facing a costly run-up to Easter.
But while global events are driving prices up, there are still ways to cut the cost of filling up locally.
Here's what's behind the spike, and how motorists can find the cheapest petrol and diesel near them.
The latest figures from the RAC show petrol has climbed more than 14p per litre since late February, pushing the average price to 147.19p.
Diesel has risen even more sharply, jumping 29p to 171.17p, its highest level since January 2023.
For drivers, that means a typical family car now costs around £81 to fill with petrol and £94 for diesel, increases of £8 and £16 respectively in just a matter of weeks.
The main driver behind these increases is the ongoing conflict involving Iran, which has disrupted global oil supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route that carries around a fifth of the world's oil, has been effectively blocked, sending prices soaring.
Although oil prices briefly dipped after Donald Trump announced a pause in potential US strikes on Iranian infrastructure, markets remain volatile.
Experts warn that as long as uncertainty continues, prices at the pump are likely to stay high.
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According to the RAC, the situation could worsen in the coming days. Simon Williams, the organisation's head of policy, has warned that petrol could soon exceed 150p per litre, while diesel may approach 180p.
If that happens, this Easter could become one of the most expensive periods for drivers since the early stages of the Ukraine war in 2022.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has already said the Government is looking at "every lever" available to tackle the wider cost-of-living impact, with emergency Cobra meetings focusing on rising energy costs.
Despite concerns, the Government has stressed there is no need for panic buying or rationing.
Ministers say contingency plans are in place, and drivers should continue purchasing fuel as normal.
While supplies have been affected globally, there is currently no indication that UK forecourts will run dry.
But energy industry leaders have warned that if the conflict drags on, price increases may be "inescapable".
With prices varying significantly between petrol stations, sometimes by as much as 10p per litre, shopping around can make a real difference.
One of the most useful tools available is the Government's Fuel Finder service, which allows drivers to compare live prices at nearby forecourts. By entering your postcode, you can quickly see where petrol and diesel are cheapest in your area.
In addition to Fuel Finder, motorists can:
Even small savings, say 5p per litre, can knock £2 to £3 off a full tank.
Supermarkets have traditionally offered some of the lowest fuel prices, but the gap has narrowed in recent years.
That said, they are still often among the most competitive options, particularly in urban areas across Yorkshire.
It's worth comparing your nearest supermarket forecourt with independent stations nearby, as pricing strategies can vary daily.
Beyond finding the cheapest pump price, there are a few simple ways to make fuel go further:
These small changes can improve fuel efficiency and help offset rising prices.
Much depends on how the situation in the Middle East develops. If tensions ease and oil flows resume through the Strait of Hormuz, prices could stabilise or even fall.
But for now, uncertainty remains, and drivers across Yorkshire are likely to feel the impact every time they fill up.
In the meantime, using tools like Fuel Finder and being savvy about where and when you buy fuel could make a noticeable difference to your weekly costs.