As millions of Britons prepare to travel for Christmas, choosing where to fill up has never been more important. With petrol at 137.17p and diesel at 146.57p per litre on average, the difference between the cheapest and most expensive forecourts can add up quickly.
Supermarket Fuel: Still the Best Value
The big four supermarkets – Asda, Tesco, Morrisons, and Sainsbury's – continue to offer the best prices for most drivers:
- Unleaded: 134.48p per litre (average)
- Diesel: 143.08p per litre (average)
This represents savings of approximately 3p per litre compared to the national average, or around £1.65 per tank.
Regional Price Differences
Where you live matters when it comes to fuel costs:
| Region | Petrol | Diesel |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 129.6p | 137.7p |
| UK Average | 137.17p | 146.57p |
| Supermarkets | 134.48p | 143.08p |
Northern Ireland offers the best fuel prices in the UK, with petrol nearly 7.5p cheaper than the UK average. This is thanks to the Consumer Council's Fuel Price Checker scheme, which provides price transparency.
Motorway Services: The Expensive Option
Motorway service stations typically charge a significant premium – often 15-20p per litre more than supermarkets. For a 55-litre tank, that's an extra £8-11 per fill-up.
If you're travelling long distances this Christmas:
- Fill up before joining the motorway
- Plan stops at towns just off motorway junctions
- Use fuel finder apps to locate cheaper options near service areas
Compared to Last Year
Unfortunately, prices are higher than Christmas 2024:
- Petrol is approximately 0.5p more expensive than December 2024
- Diesel is about 4p more expensive than last year
Tips for Christmas Travel
- Fill up before you leave: Prices near tourist destinations and motorways are typically higher
- Shop at supermarkets: Combine fuel stops with last-minute shopping
- Check prices first: Use fuel finder apps to compare local options – every penny saved equals roughly 55p per tank
- Plan your route: Know where the cheaper stations are along your journey
- Consider cashback cards: Some credit cards offer fuel rewards
The Bottom Line
For a typical family travelling 200 miles to visit relatives this Christmas, the difference between filling up at a supermarket versus a motorway service station could be £8-11 or more. Multiply that by the return journey, and you're looking at potential savings of £20+ just by planning your fuel stops.
The cost of filling an average family car currently sits at just over £75 for petrol and around £81 for diesel. Shop smart, and you can keep those costs as low as possible during the expensive festive season.