A large group of drivers have been given some unwelcome news that is set to leave them lighter each time they visit the garage.
According to the RAC, the cost of diesel has increased for the fourth consecutive month in a row, with motorists now forced to pay 6p per litre more than they did in October 2024.
Simon Williams, RAC Head of Policy, highlighted that the small price increase is likely to have a significant impact on the cost of running a diesel-powered car.
He explained: “It’s not been a good start to 2025 for drivers at the pumps with prices going up for the fourth month in a row. Sadly, filling up is now nearly £3 more expensive than it was at the start of October.
“We hope this trend won’t continue and that prices drop back down again. Much, of course, depends on global oil supply and demand.”
Whilst the RAC also highlighted that the typical cost of petrol also increased over the past four months, with drivers paying an average of 139p per litre in January 2025, they warned that diesel car owners are worst affected by the rise.
At the end of the month, the average cost for a litre of diesel stood at 145.7p, meaning owners face a typical charge of £80.15 to completely fill the tank of a family car.
As a result, high-mileage drivers who need to fill their tank every week are set to pay £4,167 if prices do not start to drop – an increase of around £180 compared to prices four months ago.
The typical cost of petrol and diesel is heavily based on the value of crude oil, which recently spiked at $80 (£64) per barrel due to an increase in demand.
However, Simon hopes that prices at the pumps will drop in the coming months, with the cost of oil forecast to fall below $70 (£56).
He added: “While the price of oil can be notoriously volatile, there’s reason to think forecourt fuel prices may get cheaper in the coming months as some analysts are predicting an average oil price nearer to $70 this year.”
Despite their previous popularity with drivers looking to get good fuel economy, demand for diesel cars has fallen significantly over recent years – due in part to the emissions scandal.
According to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 8,625 new diesel cars were registered on the UK roads during January 2025.
This represents a 7.7 percent fall in sales, with diesel cars now accounting for 6.2 percent of the overall new vehicle market.
