The quickest ways to save money on petrol and diesel in 2026 are to check live prices before you fill up, now that every UK forecourt must publish its prices through the government's Fuel Finder scheme, to drive more smoothly and a little slower, and to stack supermarket or loyalty discounts. These matter more from early 2027, when fuel duty goes up in two steps, adding about 6p a litre at the pump by March.
This guide explains the duty changes, how to find cheaper fuel and the driving habits that reduce how much you use.
What changes to fuel duty and when
Fuel duty on petrol and diesel is 52.95p a litre until 31 December 2026. The temporary 5p cut that has applied since 2022 is being unwound in stages:
| Date | Duty per litre | Rise at the pump incl. VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Until 31 Dec 2026 | 52.95p | None |
| From 1 Jan 2027 | 55.95p | About 3.6p |
| From 1 Mar 2027 | 57.95p | About 2.4p more |
VAT at 20% is charged on top of duty, which is why a 3p duty rise adds about 3.6p at the pump. Once both steps apply, a 50-litre fill costs roughly £3 more than now, if other costs stay the same. Retailers set their own prices, so the real change may differ.
Find the cheapest fuel near you
Since 2 February 2026, every forecourt in the UK has had to report price changes within 30 minutes to the government's Fuel Finder scheme, which publishes them as free open data. That means price comparison apps, websites and some sat-nav and map apps can now show live prices. Prices between stations a mile or two apart can differ noticeably, so a quick check before you set off is worth it.
- Compare a few stations on your usual routes rather than driving out of your way, which can cancel out the saving
- Supermarket forecourts are often, though not always, cheaper than motorway services, which tend to be among the most expensive
- Fill up when you are already passing a cheaper station instead of waiting until the warning light comes on
Stack discounts and rewards
Small discounts add up over a year of driving. Our guide to fuel discount schemes covers each in detail.
- Supermarket fuel vouchers for spending a set amount in store, only worth it if you would spend that anyway
- Forecourt and supermarket loyalty schemes that give points or money off per litre
- Cashback or rewards credit cards, if you clear the balance in full every month
- Standard unleaded (E10) rather than premium, unless your manufacturer says your car needs super unleaded (E5)
Drive in a way that uses less fuel
How you drive has a big effect on how far a tank goes. None of these cost anything.
- Accelerate gently and look ahead so you can ease off early rather than brake hard
- Keep to speed limits; fuel use rises sharply at higher motorway speeds
- Change up a gear sooner in a manual car
- Switch off the engine if you will be stopped for more than a minute or so, where it is safe
- Use air conditioning sparingly at low speeds, but at motorway speeds it can be better than open windows
Look after the car
Simple maintenance keeps fuel economy where it should be.
- Check tyre pressures monthly against the figures in your handbook or door frame; under-inflated tyres increase fuel use and wear
- Take roof boxes and bike racks off when you are not using them, as they add drag
- Clear out heavy items you do not need from the boot
- Keep up with servicing, as a poorly running engine uses more fuel
Drive less, or share the cost
The cheapest fuel is fuel you do not use. Combine errands into one trip, walk or cycle short journeys, and look at car sharing for commutes. If you use your own car for work, check that your employer pays the HMRC approved mileage rate of 45p a mile for the first 10,000 business miles and 25p after that. If they pay less, you can claim tax relief on the difference.
If you are weighing up your next car, our comparison of electric car running costs versus petrol and the car finance calculator help you see the full cost, not just the fuel.
Budget for fuel properly
Check your last three months of statements for fuel and set a monthly figure in the budget planner, adding a little for the January and March duty rises. A small car fund for MOT, servicing, tyres and insurance stops those costs landing on a credit card; our savings goal calculator can work out the monthly amount. SYM can help you put a little aside each day towards it. For more motoring savings, see fuel saving tips.
Frequently asked questions
Is fuel duty going up in 2027?
What is the Fuel Finder scheme?
Is supermarket fuel worse than branded fuel?
Does driving slower save fuel?
Should I use E10 or E5 petrol?
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