As Christmas approaches and more Brits spend big on food and presents, the RAC has noted that this year should have the cheapest December for petrol and diesel since the Covid pandemic
The RAC has urged drivers to fill up their vehicle’s tank ahead of the festive break in order to cut several pounds off their fuel bills. As Christmas approaches and more Brits spend big on food and presents, the motoring organisation has noted that this year should have the cheapest December for petrol and diesel since the Covid pandemic.
Simon Williams, Head of Policy at the RAC, noted that the savings could be a welcome relief to those preparing for long-distance trips to see friends and family members. He explained: “Heading up to the most expensive time of year for families, it’s good to see that this Christmas is set to be the cheapest for fuel since the pandemic.”
“Despite both petrol and diesel rising by a penny and two pence respectively in November, the difference to a year ago is considerable with petrol 10.5p lower and diesel 12p less.” According to the RAC, the average price of petrol rose by a penny to 136.5p per litre in November 2024, whereas diesel increased by nearly 2p to 142.25p.
However, despite small price rises, the figures are significantly less than they were in previous Novembers, with the cost of petrol and diesel prices falling 23.4p and 41.7p per litre respectively since 2022. As a result, motorists filling the tank of an average petrol car will be able to save £12.90, whereas those with a diesel can save £22.90 compared to what they paid two years ago.
Whilst the savings are welcomed by many motorists, Simon stated that the cost of petrol and diesel could still be cheaper if fairer profit margins were enforced. He added: “While conditions are clearly better for drivers this Christmas than previous ones, we’re still conscious that prices at the pumps could be slightly cheaper if retailer margins were lower.”
“So, it was disappointing to see last week that the Competition and Markets Authority has once again expressed concern about a lack of competition among fuel retailers.”
“This comes on the back of the CMA concluding drivers were overcharged by £1.6bn in 2023.” The cost of petrol and diesel is generally more important during the winter months, with vehicles typically getting worse fuel economy figures in colder weather.
This is because it typically takes engines a longer time to warm up to their optimum working temperature or, if a driver only covers short journeys, it is being forced to work when cold. To help get the best possible fuel economy figures over winter, drivers should regularly check their tyre pressures, remove any unnecessary weight, and combine journeys wherever possible.
