Diesel prices up slightly in September, says RAC

Diesel pump prices rose by one-third of a pence per litre across the UK last month, following fears that the refinery fires in Saudi Arabia would lead to increases.

Data from RAC Fuel Watch shows that average price of a litre of diesel was 132.07p on September 30, up from 131.72p at the beginning of the month.

Meanwhile, the cost of a litre of petrol fell by 0.87p to 127.95p over the same period – the second consecutive monthly drop.

RAC says this is still nearly 4p a litre too high, as retailers are not passing on the saving in the wholesale price.

Its figures show the average price per litre of fuel charged by supermarkets is currently 4p cheaper than the UK average for both petrol and diesel.

Simon Williams, fuel spokesman for RAC, said: “Generally, supermarket fuel tends to be 3p a litre cheaper than the UK average.

“We have on occasion seen some much bigger differences between the supermarket average and the UK average prices.

“If supermarket fuel is priced much lower than the UK average as it is now, this usually indicates independent retailers aren’t passing on enough of the savings in the wholesale price.

“This doesn’t mean there isn’t scope for the supermarkets to do more by lowering their prices more, it means that independent retailers simply are choosing not compete as much or simply aren’t able to for financial reasons.

He added: “The outlook for drivers at the pumps is looking reasonable despite the refinery attacks in Saudi Arabia. Not only was the impact of the resulting drop in production lessened by Saudi’s state-owned oil company releasing crude reserves, fears of a global economic slowdown caused the oil price to reduce. If this continues, it should translate into lower pump prices for drivers in the UK.”

Regional fuel price variation

Regional average diesel pump prices

Regional average unleaded pump prices