Cheapest fuel drops below £1.30 per litre now

Motorists in London are facing wide variations in fuel prices, with some stations offering unleaded petrol for under £1.30 per litre, according to a price comparison website.

The analysis by PetrolMap highlights significant price differences across the capital and surrounding areas, as global tensions in the Middle East continue to drive up oil and fuel costs.

The RAC reported that the average price of unleaded petrol has risen by around 8p per litre since the outbreak of the US-Israeli conflict involving Iran, pushing prices to their highest level in 18 months. Diesel prices have surged even more sharply, increasing by nearly 17p per litre.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has urged fuel retailers to act responsibly, stating they have a “shared obligation” to keep prices as low as possible for consumers. She recently held talks with industry leaders at Downing Street to address growing concerns over the rising cost of living.

However, tensions between the government and fuel retailers have escalated. The Petrol Retailers Association warned it might withdraw from the meeting, accusing ministers of using “inflammatory language” that has reportedly led to increased abuse of petrol station staff.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband also issued a strong warning to major fuel companies, including Asda, BP, ExxonMobil and Shell, saying the government would not tolerate unfair pricing practices.

In an effort to improve transparency, petrol stations were instructed earlier this year to publish their fuel prices daily under the new Fuel Finder Scheme. According to Reeves, timely reporting to comparison apps could save households an average of £40 per year.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said rising fuel costs are placing growing pressure on households, particularly those dependent on cars. He noted that filling up a family vehicle now costs between £4 and £9 more than it did just weeks ago, reflecting the rapid increase in oil prices, which have surpassed $100 per barrel.

Meanwhile, political criticism has intensified. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused the Chancellor of contributing to higher prices and called for the planned fuel duty increase to be scrapped. She also urged the government to expand North Sea oil and gas production.

As fuel prices continue to rise, drivers are being encouraged to use comparison tools to find the cheapest petrol available in their area.