Petrol prices have fallen nearly 1p since November, but UK drivers still face running costs of around 17p per mile based on current fuel prices of 134.06p per litre for unleaded
Motorists are being hit with costs of up to 17p per mile this January – but experts say there are three simple ways to cut your spending at the pump. Current figures from the RAC show unleaded petrol averaging 134.06p per litre across UK forecourts, with diesel at 142.96p.
But prices have been falling – petrol dropped to 134.97p per litre at the beginning of November, down 0.58p from October’s 135.55p. And as we enter January, prices have dipped by nearly another penny.
Motoring website NimbleFins calculates that with the average UK petrol car achieving 36mpg, drivers are paying roughly 17p per mile at current rates – and that’s before factoring in maintenance and other running costs. George’s Car Media has revealed his top three money-saving tips to help motorists maximise their fuel efficiency.
In a TikTok video, he suggests drivers opt for 99 fuel – premium petrol with a 99 RON (Research Octane Number). But he reassures viewers that most will be “fine with 95”, the standard grade widely available across Britain.
Sharing a lesson from his own experience, he recalled: “When I would go out on my driving lessons with my granny, she would always say, ‘George, you’re accelerating up to that T-junction and then braking, which is a big loss of momentum.'”
In response, the police officer appearing alongside George in the video explained: “Granny is right. It’s all about observation, anticipation and planning. If you’re looking far enough ahead, you can anticipate what’s going on.”
He continued: “If it looks like those lights are about to change, then using your throttle rather than your brakes to adjust your speed will help you save fuel because you’re driving more smoothly.”
The officer also highlighted the importance of tyre maintenance for fuel efficiency, advising motorists to regularly monitor their tyre pressure.
He stated: “Get them up to the right tyre pressure, as that will save you miles per gallon.”
The video sparked discussion amongst viewers, with one commenting: “Shell is best – will take Tesco Optimum or Esso Supreme if there’s no Shell nearby.”
Another added: “BP or Shell 98/99 for me.
“I’ve never bought supermarket fuel and never would.”
A third viewer shared their experience: “Don’t use 95 – it caused massive carbon build-up on my 2.0 TS intake manifold and clogged my runner position sensor.”
Meanwhile, another said: “Acceleration sense is unfortunately a lost art.”
