
Fuel Prices Rise in January – Will February Bring Relief at the Pumps?
January saw an overall increase in fuel prices across the UK, with both unleaded and diesel rising as wholesale costs surged in the first half of the month before easing in the second.
January Price Trends
Brent crude oil hit a mid-month high of $82 per barrel on January 15th before retreating to close at $76.76, just below where it started the month. This volatility was reflected in wholesale fuel prices:
- Diesel wholesale prices jumped by 5.4ppl in early January before falling back by 3.8ppl later in the month.
- Unleaded wholesale prices followed a similar trend, increasing 4.1ppl before dropping 1.39ppl.
At the pumps, these wholesale movements translated into an average increase of 2.9ppl for unleaded and 3.7ppl for diesel over the month. Supermarkets, however, were able to absorb more of these increases, with both unleaded and diesel rising by 2.2ppl.

Will Prices Start Dropping in February?
Although wholesale costs have come down, we are yet to see significant reductions at the pumps. Supermarket prices remain at their highest since January, partly due to how they purchase fuel and the delay between wholesale price shifts and pump price adjustments.
Asda remains the cheapest supermarket for both unleaded (135.7ppl) and diesel (141.7ppl), maintaining its position as the most competitive major retailer.
What to Expect in February
As wholesale prices stabilise, we expect more stations to reduce prices in early February, particularly on diesel. While major price cuts are unlikely, small reductions of 1–2ppl could become more common over the next 10 days.
For the first time in over a month, we are seeing an equal number of petrol stations reducing prices as those increasing them. If this trend continues, February could be the first month in a while where price drops outnumber price hikes.
How to Stay Ahead of Rising Costs
With prices still varying significantly between retailers, checking prices regularly is the best way to save money. Use the PetrolPrices app to find the lowest prices near you and ensure you’re not overpaying at the pumps.
Stay informed, compare prices, and keep an eye on local trends – February could finally bring some relief for drivers.