Fuel Costs Push Motorists To Shop Around
Petrol and diesel drivers have been warned that searching too far for cheaper fuel could lead to unexpected costs, including fines, penalty points and recovery charges. The warning comes as elevated fuel prices linked to the Iran conflict continue to pressure household budgets.
Lee Puffett, managing director of Start Rescue, said motorists are feeling the pinch from higher petrol and diesel prices. However, he cautioned that driving several miles out of the way, or making a separate trip purely to fill up, may cost more overall than the small saving achieved at the pump.
Running Low Can Become Expensive
The risk is especially high for drivers who allow their fuel tanks to run close to empty because of rising costs. Puffett warned that motorists could end up running out of fuel altogether, particularly if they travel further than planned in search of a cheaper forecourt.
Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that drivers must have enough fuel or charge for their journey, especially when using motorways. Running out of fuel on a motorway can be treated as careless driving, with a possible 100 pound fine and three penalty points.
Breakdowns Add Another Financial Risk
Drivers who run out of fuel may also face recovery charges if they do not have suitable breakdown cover. Puffett said that trying to save a small amount on petrol or diesel can become expensive if a vehicle breaks down due to fuel starvation.
Start Rescue advised motorists to monitor local fuel stations and fill up while passing by, rather than making long dedicated trips. Puffett recommended refuelling when the gauge falls to around a quarter of a tank, reducing the risk of being caught short.
Oil Shock Hits Pump Price Outlook
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said the sudden rise in crude oil prices caused by renewed Middle East tensions is likely to be a setback for drivers. Although unleaded prices at the pump have fallen by more than a penny since peaking on 15 April at 158.31p, wholesale costs have moved higher.
According to the RAC’s analysis, petrol is now more expensive for retailers to buy than at any point since the war began. That suggests drivers may face renewed upward pressure at forecourts if higher wholesale costs are passed through to pump prices.
Diesel Shows A Different Pattern
Diesel prices have moved differently. Williams said diesel has fallen by 3p a litre and remains well below its highest wholesale price since the start of the conflict, meaning it should fall further if current conditions hold.
The divergence reflects seasonal fuel market trends. Petrol demand often rises in spring as driving increases in the United States, while diesel prices can ease as Western Europe’s use of heating oil declines with warmer weather. Heating oil and diesel are produced from the same part of the barrel.
Why Drivers Should Weigh The Real Saving
For consumers, the warning highlights the importance of calculating the true cost of chasing cheaper fuel. A lower pump price may not produce a real saving if the trip adds mileage, increases fuel use or raises the risk of a breakdown.
For the wider economy, fuel prices remain a sensitive indicator of the Iran conflict’s impact on household finances. If crude prices stay elevated, motorists could face higher costs just as inflation concerns return to the foreground. The practical message for drivers is to plan refuelling carefully, avoid running close to empty and prioritize reliability over marginal savings.
