Drivers are set to enjoy the cheapest Christmas fuel prices since the pandemic, despite a slight uptick in costs during November, according to the latest figures.
Despite petrol and diesel seeing modest increases at the pumps last month, prices remain significantly lower than the same period last year.
The cost increases monitored by the RAC Fuel Watch saw petrol rise by a penny to 136.5p per litre, while diesel increased by 1.8p to 142.25p.
However, these figures still represent substantial savings for motorists compared to last year's prices, with petrol now 10.5p cheaper and diesel 12p less expensive than in 2022.
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RAC stated new fuel prices will save drivers more than £12 at the fill up stations
PAFor families filling up a typical 55-litre tank, this translates to savings of £5.75 for petrol and £6.60 for diesel compared to last Christmas.
The savings are even more dramatic when compared to two years ago, during the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Petrol prices are now 23.4p lower per litre than they were in that period, equating to £12.90 less for a full tank.
Diesel drivers are seeing even greater benefits, with prices 41.7p lower per litre, saving £22.90 on a complete fill-up. Supermarket prices continue to offer better value for drivers with the big four retailers charging 133.2p per litre for petrol at the end of November.
This represents a 3.3p saving compared to the UK average. Diesel at supermarkets was similarly competitive, costing 138.6p per litre - 3.6p below the national average.
The cost of oil has remainedrelatively stable, the RAC revealed, averaging $73 (£58) per barrel, resulting in minimal changes to wholesale prices.
Across the UK, fuel prices show significant regional variations, with Northern Ireland emerging as the most economical place to fill up. Motorists in Northern Ireland are paying an average of 130.6p for petrol and 135.2p for diesel - approximately 6p and 7p less than the UK average respectively.
But England still stands as the most expensive region for fuel purchases, with petrol averaging 136p and diesel at 141.7p per litre.
Scotland and Wales fall between these extremes, with Scottish drivers paying 134.5p for petrol and 140.6p for diesel. Welsh motorists face similar costs, with petrol at 134.9p and diesel at 140.2p per litre.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "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.
“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.
“This is great news for people making long festive journeys to visit friends and families as it should save them around £6 on a tank of fuel compared to last year.”
The Competition and Markets Authority recently warned that drivers were still paying more for fuel than necessary due to persistently high margins. The watchdog reported that supermarket fuel margins increased from seven per cent in April to 8.1 per cent in August.
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Fuel prices recorded as cheapest level since before Covid
PAThe RAC said it hoped that the Government's commitment to introducing a mandatory fuel price finding scheme next year would boost competition.
This new scheme would require retailers to share their prices with the Government within 30 minutes of any price change.
