How to Save Money on Petrol? – Tips
In 2020, petrol prices in the UK averaged around 130 pence per litre. However, diesel typically cost more, averaging at 138 pence per litre. An intriguing fact is that the cheapest petrol could be found on the Orkney Islands, where it cost 110 pence per litre.
When breaking down the cost of petrol, taxes such as VAT and fuel duty make up about 62% of the total price. Specifically, fuel duty is pegged at 57.95 pence per litre, while VAT stands at 20%.
Typically, a tank of petrol costs about £60 in the UK. It’s worth remembering that the cost of petrol isn’t solely determined by the price of crude oil, which makes up only 30% of the cost. The remaining 70% consists of taxes and other costs. Savvy petrol buyers can take measures to cut down on these costs. For example, shopping around to find the best petrol prices can save up to 10 pence per litre, while making use of supermarket loyalty schemes can save an additional 15 pence per litre.
Remember that there are over 14,000 petrol stations in the UK, each offering different petrol prices. Be curious and take the time to find the one that’s best suited to your budget.
Perry Stevens is the founder of BIGPriceDrops and a long-time digital marketer with a practical interest in helping UK shoppers find better value online. He focuses on clear, no-nonsense money-saving content, Amazon UK deal insights, and buyer guides that help readers spot genuine savings without falling for misleading discounts or impulse-buy traps.
When he is not working on BIGPriceDrops, Perry runs Blend Local Search Marketing and works on digital projects covering SEO, AI tools, and online business growth. His approach is simple: help people make smarter decisions before they spend their money.