Diesel drivers are facing a 15p per mile charge to use their vehicles in November, regardless of any updates issued by Rachel Reeves at the Autumn Budget. According to new analysis from the RAC, the price of diesel dropped to 142.57p per litre in October.
It means that the average diesel fuel cost decreased by 0.81p from the 143.38p per litre recorded at the start of last month. According to motoring experts at Nimblefins, the average fuel economy of a UK diesel car is 43mpg. It means that, based on the current price per litre, motorists are currently burning around 15p per mile on fuel to run their diesel model.
However, analysis shows that petrol owners are paying ever so slightly more to get behind the wheel. The price of petrol dropped to 134.97p per litre, down by 0.58p from 135.55p at the start of October. It means petrol drivers are paying out around 17p per mile to get behind the wheel before further tax costs or maintenance.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “It’s good to see prices at the pumps have fallen slightly in October, reversing the increase drivers experienced in September. Our analysis shows that while it’s cheaper on average to fill up at supermarkets, it’s also worth seeking out low-priced independent forecourts that can offer great value petrol and diesel.”
Up until now, electric car owners have avoided paying any sort of fuel duty charges as they do not fill up with petrol or diesel. Motorists do pay more to charge their cars in public than at home due to much higher VAT rates.
Road users are charged 5% VAT on home electricity but will pay 20% VAT when topping up their vehicles at public charging bays.
The loss of fuel duty revenue as more tourists switch to electric models is a concern for the Treasury, which could be addressed at the Budget.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves looks set to introduce a 3p per mile charge, which would see motorists pay between £250 and £300 more per year based on average mileage.
Early estimates suggest that motorists travelling between Oxford and Cambridge could pay up to £3 for each trip. Meanwhile, those heading between London and Edinburgh may be forced to pay £12.