Diesel drivers are forking out 20p per mile just to run their cars this November, new analysis from the RAC has revealed. The average price of a litre of diesel in the UK now sits at 198.42p, only slightly off its all-time high of 1.99p just a month ago. For the average diesel car, which runs at 45mpg, it means drivers are now paying an eye-watering 20p per mile to run on diesel, and this could be even higher if you’re driving in the city or already paying slightly more than the average price for fuel.
By comparison, the new EV pay-per-mile charges set to be introduced from April 2027 will charge drivers only 3p per mile, with the cost of charging an EV at home usually ranging between 2p and 8p per mile, depending on the tariff rate and EV range.
Despite the decision to extend the current 5p fuel duty freeze in the latest Budget, the tax on petrol and diesel remains high at 52.95p per litre, while the ongoing conflict in Iran continues to push fuel prices higher.
The RAC’s senior policy officer Rod Dennis said that drivers are likely to be ‘disappointed’ that more wasn’t done to help cut fuel costs, such as a reduction in VAT or a further cut to fuel duty in the Autumn Budget.
He said: “While drivers may breathe a mild sigh of relief knowing that fuel duty isn’t going up, many are likely to be disappointed the Chancellor didn’t go further to support them.
“RAC research published yesterday showed nearly two-in-three regular drivers wanted cuts to duty or VAT on fuel, with a similar proportion now cutting back on other spending because of the high cost of fuel.
“A freeze only avoids making an already difficult situation worse – it doesn’t make filling up any cheaper. And it’s worth remembering that pump prices still soared this summer, despite fuel duty being at this very same reduced rate.
“Drivers will now have to hope for an easing of the international conflicts that have pushed up oil prices and disrupted fuel supplies if pump prices are to come down in a meaningful way.
“In the meantime, they can ensure they always pay the lowest price for filling up by using the free myRAC app to locate the cheapest forecourts up and down the country.”