Diesel drivers should feel 'short-changed' by fuel prices, say the RAC

While diesel prices are lower than they were at the start of the year, diesel drivers are still paying more than they should be - according to the RAC.

The low wholesale cost of diesel means that pump prices should be low as savings are passed onto motorists. However, the RAC has accused retailers of overcharging diesel drivers by as much as 8p-per-litre.

"Diesel drivers should feel short-changed by the decision of retailers to keep prices artificially high."

The wholesale price of diesel has been lower than petrol for six weeks, yet its average forecourt price is more expensive than petrol’s. This means diesel could be sold by the lowest cost retailers (like supermarkets) for around 110p-per-litre. Instead, it's around 118ppl on average and 114p at supermarkets.

"Diesel drivers should feel short-changed by the decision of retailers to keep prices artificially high," said RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said. 

"The wholesale price of diesel has now been lower than the petrol equivalent for six weeks, yet petrol continues to be sold for 3.5p less than diesel. This must surely be difficult for retailers to justify. We strongly urge them to lower their prices in an effort to restore drivers’ trust."

Diesel drivers are now paying £65 for a complete fill-up in contrast to the start of the year when it was nearer £73. With the average UK price of unleaded standing at 114p, it means a full 55-litre tank will set drivers back £63 – which is £7 less than January.

Unleaded is now nearly 9p a litre more expensive than its pandemic low of 105p on 21 May and diesel is almost 7p a litre dearer than its low of 111.23p.

A litre of unleaded remained at 114p, while diesel continued to be sold at an average of 118p a litre in September. The average price of petrol sold by the big four supermarkets still stands at 109p a litre, with diesel at 114p.