UK drivers have been hit by a fourth consecutive monthly rise in fuel prices, with petrol and diesel drivers continuing to face expensive costs.
The latest data from RAC Fuel Watch shows petrol now costs an average of 139p per litre, up from 136.9p at the start of 2025, while diesel has risen to 145.7p from 142.9p.
This continues a trend that began in October, with petrol now 5p more expensive per litre than it was then.
The price increases mean filling up a typical 55-litre family car with petrol now costs £76.44, compared to £74.25 four months ago when a litre was 135p.
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Petrol and diesel drivers have seen fuel prices rise for a fourth consecutive month
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For diesel vehicles, the impact is even greater, with a full tank now costing £80.15, more than £3 higher than October's price of £76.70 when diesel was 139.5p per litre.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "It's not been a good start to 2025 for drivers at the pumps with prices going up for the fourth month in a row. Sadly, filling up is now nearly £3 more expensive than it was at the start of October."
"We hope this trend won’t continue and that prices drop back down again. Much, of course, depends on global oil supply and demand.
"While the price of oil can be notoriously volatile, there’s reason to think forecourt fuel prices may get cheaper in the coming months as some analysts are predicting an average oil price nearer to $70 (£55.93) this year."
The price rises have been attributed to a mid-month spike in oil prices, which climbed above $80 (£63.92) per barrel for several days in January.
A slight weakening in the pound sterling has also contributed to the increases, making wholesale fuel more expensive for UK suppliers to purchase.
These combined factors have directly impacted forecourt prices across the country, with England having the highest fuel costs at 138.5p per litre.
Welsh drivers are charged 137.3p, while Scottish motorists face costs of 136.9p. Northern Ireland offers significantly lower prices, with petrol at just 133.1p per litre.
The pattern continues with diesel, where England leads at 145.2p, while Northern Ireland is charging just 137.9p thanks to the Consumer Council's Fuel Price Checker.
The tool allows motorists in Northern Ireland to check the average, lowest and highest prices for petrol and diesel in their local area and across the country.
The UK Government is expected to introduce a similar Fuel Finder tool later this year amid hopes it could save drivers between one and six pence per litre.
Supermarket fuel prices remain lower than the national average, with major retailers charging 134p per litre for petrol and 141.6p for diesel in January.
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PAThis represents a saving of 3.5p per litre on petrol and 4p on diesel compared to the UK average.
Motorway service stations saw the highest prices, with petrol reaching 161.9p per litre and diesel 169.83p following a 3.5p increase in January.
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