‘Costly Christmas’ as fuel price rises in 18-month high
Fri, 12 Dec 2025
Petrol and diesel prices rose last month at the fastest rate since April 2024, new data from RAC Fuel Watch has revealed.
Petrol prices went up by almost 2.2p a litre in November, while diesel prices shot up by more than 3.8p a litre.
It means the average price of petrol now stands at 137.17p a litre, the highest since March 2025. The average price of diesel is now 146.57p, which hasn’t been seen since August 2024.
The last time fuel prices rose so much in a single month was back in April 2024.
"Drivers will be disappointed to see prices at the pumps rise so sharply in the run-up to the festive period," says RAC head of policy Simon Williams.
"Not only is it one of the most expensive times of the year, it’s also a time when many of us drive hundreds of miles to celebrate with family and friends over the extended break, making it a costly Christmas on the roads."
The RAC figures show petrol is around 0.5p a litre more expensive than this time last year – and diesel is a hefty 4p dearer.
It means the cost of filling the average petrol family car has risen to £75.44, up £1.19 in a month, while diesel drivers will pay almost £81 to fill their tank.
Supermarket fuel prices rose too, but the RAC adds they remain significantly cheaper than the UK average.
The average supermarket petrol price is 134.48p a litre, while diesel costs 143.08p.
Northern Ireland fuel prices also remain substantially lower than the rest of the UK, with unleaded costing just 129.6p and diesel at 137.7p.
