Drivers warned over ‘non-essential journeys’ – ‘petrol could hit 170p’ | Personal Finance | Finance

Motorists are being urged to eliminate “non-essential journeys” as fuel prices are expected to rise as oil prices rise. AA president Edmund King, who issued the directive, also recommended that drivers should change their driving style to save fuel.

Oil prices, which have a significant impact on the cost of wholesale fuel, rose above $100 per barrel for the first time since 2022 in response to the conflict in the Middle East. Since the start of the war on February 28, the liter price of gasoline in the UK increased by an average of 5 pence to 137.5 pence, while diesel increased by 9 pence to 151.0 pence.

Analysis of the historical relationship between oil and fuel prices by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit think tank shows that oil trading at $100 per barrel usually leads to oil prices of around 150 pence per litre, while oil reaching $120 per barrel means oil prices of around 170 pence per litre.

Mr King said: “The longer this conflict goes on, the greater the impact it will have on the cost of oil. For Brent Crude to exceed $100 a barrel, it would cause concern in the markets for the transport industry and drivers. “There will be gradual increases in pump prices, but this should not happen overnight as fuel is purchased at previous prices.

“Our recommendation is that drivers should not change their fueling habits, but may consider cutting out some non-essential trips and changing their driving style to save fuel.”

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Average petrol and diesel prices have risen sharply over the past week and unfortunately look set to continue rising, so the outlook for UK motorists looks increasingly bleak. “Since Saturday 28 February, when the current crisis began, petrol has risen 5p to 137.5p per litre, while diesel has risen 9p to 151p.

“Unleaded fuel is almost certain to reach an average of 140p a liter next week, while diesel looks highly likely to climb to at least 160p a litre. The price of diesel is currently rising faster than at any point since the start of the Ukraine conflict. With oil holding steady at $100, petrol could rise to 150p a liter – a price not seen since June 2024. Diesel could reach almost 180p, which would be three years’ worth.” There will be a period of high.

“We would encourage drivers to continue to refuel as normal, but as there can be large local differences between forecourts, seek out the best prices using apps such as myRAC. Using fuel efficiently by avoiding hard acceleration and braking and ensuring tires are inflated to the correct pressures can help you cover every mile and save money.”

How to save fuel

Matt Crole-Rees, car expert Confused.comHe said: “With continued uncertainty affecting global energy markets, there is a possibility that fuel prices will rise further in the coming weeks. When oil markets become volatile, the effects are often reflected quickly at the pumps, meaning drivers may feel the impact quickly. “If oil prices remain high, there are also concerns that oil prices could approach or even exceed the previous record seen in the UK in 2022. If that happens, drivers across the country may begin to feel the pinch of higher fueling costs.

“However, motorists should not feel under pressure to rush and fill up their tanks unnecessarily, as panic buying can put extra pressure on fuel supplies and lead to temporary disruptions at petrol stations. “Instead, many drivers may begin to look for ways to make their tanks last longer and stretch their fuel budgets further. Making some simple changes to the way you drive can reduce the amount of fuel you use and therefore the amount you need to fill up.

• Removing excess weight from your vehicle
• Ensuring tires are inflated to the correct pressure
• Using the accelerator slowly
• Keeping windows closed at high speeds
• Avoiding unnecessary idling
• Shopping for fuel