Current UK Petrol Price Per Litre May 2026: National Average and Regional Variation
TL;DR: UK average unleaded petrol price was 138.4p/litre on 5 May 2026 (RAC Fuel Watch). Average diesel was 145.7p/litre. Supermarkets (Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons) priced approximately 3-5p/litre below the national average. London and the South East average 140-142p; Northern Ireland averages 134-136p. Brent crude averaged $74/barrel in April 2026 (ICE futures).
UK Fuel Price Snapshot (Week to 5 May 2026)
| Fuel | UK average (p/litre) | Supermarket average | Motorway average | vs 1 month ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unleaded petrol | 138.4p | 134.2p | 156.8p | -1.2p |
| Diesel | 145.7p | 141.5p | 164.2p | -1.5p |
| Premium unleaded (E5/super) | 146.8p | 142.5p | 167.4p | -1.0p |
| LPG (Autogas) | 91.4p | n/a (limited supermarket coverage) | 108.3p | -0.4p |
Prices verified via RAC Fuel Watch weekly data, 5 May 2026. AA Fuel Price Report data for the same week is consistent within 0.3p/litre.
How UK Pump Prices Are Built
Pump price for unleaded petrol comprises (approximate breakdown at 138.4p): wholesale cost 47p; fuel duty 52.95p (the duty rate frozen since March 2022); VAT at 20% applied to (wholesale + duty + retail margin) approximately 23p; retailer and distributor margins 14-16p; small biofuel obligation costs and other levies, the remainder.
The fuel duty rate of 52.95p has been frozen since March 2022 (Spring Budget 2022) and was extended in successive Autumn Budgets. The temporary 5p/litre cut introduced in March 2022 remains in effect; the standard rate would otherwise be 57.95p. The Spring Budget 2026 announcement on 11 March 2026 maintained the freeze for 2026-27.
Regional Price Variation
Regional differences in UK pump prices reflect transport costs from refineries, local competition density, and rural-vs-urban site economics. Northern Ireland typically has the lowest UK prices (134-136p unleaded, May 2026) due to direct refinery supply and lower distribution costs. Highlands and Islands of Scotland have the highest non-motorway prices (143-148p) due to remote distribution.
England's lowest-priced regions in May 2026 are the East Midlands (137p average) and Yorkshire (137.5p). The South East and London average 140-142p. Motorway service stations price 15-25p/litre above the national average due to weak local competition and higher property costs.
Crude Oil and Wholesale Price Drivers
Brent crude futures averaged $74/barrel in April 2026 (ICE Brent front-month settlement), down from $79/barrel in March and $82/barrel in February. The decline reflects easing geopolitical premium and OPEC+ production discipline holding flat rather than tightening. Sterling-denominated wholesale petrol price tracks crude approximately with a 3-4 week lag.
Forward markets price Brent at $72-75/barrel through Q3 2026, suggesting UK pump prices may stabilise or decline marginally over June-July 2026 absent geopolitical shock. Refining margins (the "crack spread") have normalised to 12-15p/litre after elevated levels in 2022-23.
FAQ: UK Petrol Price May 2026
What is the current UK average petrol price?
RAC Fuel Watch reported a UK average unleaded price of 138.4p/litre and average diesel of 145.7p/litre for the week ending 5 May 2026. These are national averages; supermarkets typically price 3-5p below this and motorway service stations price 15-25p above.
Why is diesel more expensive than petrol in the UK?
Diesel attracts the same fuel duty as unleaded petrol (52.95p/litre) but carries a higher wholesale cost due to refinery output mix and distillate demand from heating, agriculture, and freight. The 7p/litre diesel premium in May 2026 is around the historical average for the UK market.
When was UK fuel duty last increased?
UK fuel duty was last increased on 28 March 2010 (from 56.19p to 57.19p). It has been frozen or cut since. The current rate of 52.95p reflects the temporary 5p cut in March 2022, extended in subsequent Budgets through 2026-27.
Last reviewed: May 2026. Prices verified via RAC Fuel Watch weekly data 5 May 2026; AA Fuel Price Report May 2026; ICE Brent futures settlement April 2026; HM Treasury fuel duty rate confirmation Spring Budget 2026.
