UK fuel prices rising

The price of oil is rising again and is continuing to take its toll on world markets. In early 2026, fuel costs across the UK have reached some of the highest levels seen in recent years. These statistics are based on the latest UK fuel price data.

Here at Intercity Couriers, we aim to offer the most competitive price, but with fuel costs rising, we have to make sure our drivers are trained to get the best out of the expensive fuel we have here in the UK. Anticipating traffic to reduce braking, using the most effective gear to reduce engine speed, and stop/start technology all help us to run as efficiently as possible.

The UK average has shown a sharp rise in recent months, with prices now around:

Petrol (E10): 158.3p per litre

Diesel (B7): 191.2p per litre

This equates to approximately £87–£105 per full tank of fuel based on a typical 55-litre tank. One of our drivers can use two tanks of fuel per van per day, which can quickly accumulate over the weeks into hundreds of pounds.

UK fuel duty remains amongst the highest in the world. Despite continued freezes in recent years, businesses and consumers are still heavily impacted by the overall cost of fuel.

Global oil prices continue to play a major role, with fuel being traded in US dollars. This means fluctuations in exchange rates and global supply issues can significantly affect UK fuel prices, adding further pressure to already rising costs.

We try to combat these fuel prices by combining loads and using local drivers from all over the UK to cut down on mileage as much as possible. We are also seeing self-employed drivers waiting in areas they have just delivered to, sometimes for up to 1–2 days, in the hope of securing a nearby collection to reduce mileage and fuel costs.