Petrol prices hit highest level since 2013, says the AA – here's how to cut costs

The average cost for a litre of unleaded has soared to £1.33, which is the highest level since October 2013, data from the AA reveals. Prices have been rising continuously since late November last year, when the average cost was £1.14 a litre. Diesel costs have followed a similar trajectory, rising from £1.17 in November to £1.35 last week, according to the AA.

This means a full tank for a 55-litre family car will set you back £73.15 to fill up with unleaded, and £74.66 for diesel – although the AA data does reveal that prices can vary by as much as 8p a litre depending on the garage, with Asda's forecourts currently coming in cheapest on average for both unleaded and diesel. 

For tips on how to cut prices and improve fuel efficiency, check out our Cheap Petrol and Diesel guide.

Drive more efficiently to cut fuel use – and costs

We've outlined some of our top tips to cut motoring costs below but you can also visit our Cheap Petrol and Diesel guide for the full info: 

• Use PetrolPrices.com to find the cheapest fuel in your area. After registering, enter your postcode and tell it how far you're willing to travel for fuel and it'll list the cheapest petrol stations nearby. 

• Use a cashback card that pays you each time you spend on petrol. Just remember to set-up a direct debit to repay the card in full each month, so you never pay interest, which would outstrip any gain.

• Make your car more fuel efficient. For example, by taking off roof racks and keeping tyres inflated. 

• Drive more efficiently to cut fuel use. For example, by accelerating gradually and braking naturally. 

• Drive less. One option is to share lifts to work with friends. There are a few sites that connect people doing the same journey, such as Liftshare. 

AA: 'The cost of road travel continues to rise'

Luke Bosdet, the AA's fuel price spokesman, said: "Surging pump prices continue to drain family and other consumer spending. A family with two petrol cars would have spent around £230 on fuel in November had Covid lockdowns not discouraged travel. Now, the monthly cost of refuelling their vehicles is above £265."