Diesel prices in the UK have been consistently higher than petrol since mid-2022, reversing a decade-long norm. For the millions of UK diesel drivers, this guide explains current prices, why diesel costs more, and how to find the cheapest diesel near you.
Find cheap diesel near you
Enter your postcode and select Diesel (B7) to see the 5 cheapest stations near you right now.
Search diesel pricesWhy is diesel more expensive than petrol?
Diesel carries the same fuel duty as petrol (52.95p per litre), so the price gap comes from higher wholesale costs. Three factors are responsible:
- Reduced refinery capacity — Several European refineries closed during the pandemic. Diesel is harder to refine than petrol, so capacity constraints hit diesel harder.
- Higher global demand — Diesel powers freight, shipping, agriculture, and heating. As economies recovered post-pandemic, diesel demand surged.
- Russian supply disruption — The UK and EU imported significant diesel from Russia before 2022. Sanctions forced suppliers to source from further afield at higher cost.
The gap is typically 5–10p per litre, though it has been as high as 20p during the 2022 energy crisis.
Types of diesel in the UK
PumpCheck tracks four diesel types available at UK stations:
Up to 7% biodiesel (FAME). The default diesel at virtually all UK pumps. Compatible with all diesel cars.
Higher-cetane diesel with cleaning additives. Typically 8–15p more per litre. Marginal benefit for most standard diesel cars.
Up to 10% biodiesel. Less common but growing. Check vehicle compatibility — most post-2010 diesel cars are fine.
Synthetic diesel from waste oils. Up to 90% lower CO2 emissions. Compatible with most diesel engines but available at very few UK stations.
Is premium diesel worth it?
For most drivers, no. Premium diesel (Shell V-Power Diesel, BP Ultimate Diesel) costs 8–15p more per litre. The claimed benefits are:
- Higher cetane number (faster ignition, smoother combustion)
- Cleaning additives that reduce carbon deposits
- Slightly better fuel economy
In practice, the fuel economy improvement (if any) is around 1–2%, which doesn't offset the 6–10% price premium. Premium diesel may be worth considering if you drive a high-performance diesel or want to clean a neglected engine, but for daily driving, standard B7 diesel is fine.
Diesel prices by area
Diesel prices vary significantly across the UK. Urban areas with multiple competing stations tend to be cheapest, while rural areas, motorway services, and remote regions charge a premium.
Browse diesel prices in major cities:
How to find the cheapest diesel
- Compare prices first. Enter your postcode on PumpCheck and select Diesel (B7).
- Check supermarkets. Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, and Sainsbury's are usually 3–7p cheaper than branded forecourts. Supermarket fuel guide →
- Skip premium diesel unless your car specifically requires it.
- Fill up on your route. Don't make a separate trip — factor fuel stops into journeys you're already making.
- Drive efficiently. Diesel cars are most efficient at steady speeds (50–60mph). Aggressive acceleration burns fuel faster.
The future of diesel in the UK
The UK government has banned the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035. However, existing diesel cars will remain on the road for years after that. Diesel fuel will continue to be available at UK stations for the foreseeable future.
In the meantime, diesel drivers can save money by comparing prices and choosing the right station. Even a 5p saving per litre adds up to £130 per year for a typical driver.
Compare diesel prices near you
PumpCheck tracks live diesel prices from government data. See which stations near you have the cheapest diesel right now.
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