Check fuel prices near me: how to find cheap, local UK petrol, diesel prices - compare live fuel costs today
Drivers are being urged to shop around, with simple tools and small changes helping to cut the cost of filling up 🚗
- Fuel prices have surged again, with diesel at a three-year high and petrol rising fast
- The Iran conflict and disruption to global oil supplies are driving the spike
- Drivers could face even higher costs in the run-up to Easter
- There’s no need to panic buy, with no current risk of fuel shortages
- 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.
Why are fuel prices rising again?
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.
How bad could prices get?
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.
Is there a risk of fuel shortages?
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”.
How can you find the cheapest fuel in Yorkshire?
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:
- Use apps such as PetrolPrices to track real-time costs
- Check supermarket petrol stations, which are often cheaper than branded forecourts
- Fill up earlier in the week, when prices are sometimes lower
- Avoid motorway service stations, where fuel is typically more expensive
Even small savings, say 5p per litre, can knock £2 to £3 off a full tank.
Are supermarkets still the cheapest option?
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.
What can drivers do to reduce fuel costs overall?
Beyond finding the cheapest pump price, there are a few simple ways to make fuel go further:
- Drive smoothly and avoid harsh acceleration
- Keep tyres properly inflated
- Remove excess weight from your car
- Combine shorter trips into one journey
These small changes can improve fuel efficiency and help offset rising prices.
What happens next?
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.