Unleaded prices crept up throughout February, reaching a peak average price of 139.8ppl. This marked a 3.5ppl increase since the start of the year and the highest prices since 31st August 2024, a six-month high.
Similarly, diesel also increased through February and, like unleaded, reached a year high on the 27th at 147.0ppl, an increase of nearly 4.5ppl since the start of the year.
Unleaded is, however, down 3.4% from this time last year, and diesel is down 4.8%, but the recent retail price increases come at a time when Brent prices are falling.
Brent crude oil opened 2025 near $76/barrel before increasing rapidly to $81/barrel by the 16th January. Since this increase, crude prices have dropped back, and in the last 10 days, have dropped significantly on the news of US tariffs and currently sit at $71/barrel.
Based on wholesale pricing data from Portland Pricing, B7 (diesel) prices have dropped 4ppl since the 20th February and 2.8ppl since the start of the year. E10 (unleaded) has fallen nearly 3ppl since 20th February and 3.9ppl since the start of the year.
Lower wholesale prices should result in lower pump prices so motorists should keep a keen eye on where and when prices change.
Asda is currently the lowest-priced supermarket nationally for diesel, with Morrisons and Sainsbury’s over a penny adrift. They are also leading on unleaded and are the only supermarkets with a national average price of under 137ppl. However, they are also the supermarket brand with the largest spread of prices, so check your local area, as they may not be the best option for you. Morrisons is the most consistent in terms of pricing.
One noticeable change for the supermarkets is the variance in pricing between the brands. In early January, they were all very similarly priced, but the difference in pricing between the supermarket brands has increased as the year has gone on.
Drivers in the East Midland and Northeast England are likely to see the largest difference from station to station, so these regions have the most opportunities to save money by checking the PetrolPrices app. Northern Ireland remains the lowest-priced region for unleaded and diesel in the UK.
Last month, we saw the markets starting to drop, and our outlook for prices at the pump was flat to marginally down. However, prices increased between 0.2 and 0.4ppl during the first half of February. The first half of March looks to have more downward pressure on pump prices, but will prices drop? Ensure you shop around and check the PetrolPrices app to find the best deals near you!
Let us know in the comments where you think prices will go next how much you’ve saved using PetrolPrices.
Central heating oil at a 4 Week LOW
Why no reduction in Road diesel?
Highway Robbery. Dick Turpin rides Again!
Your distances to petrol stations are, for my address, vastly under rated. Example Morrisons shown as 3.1 miles and actually 5.4 miles. Similarly for others.