Press release -
July sees return to rising pump prices … and more could be on the way
After a month of falling fuel prices in June, July saw both petrol and diesel rise once again as the pound lost 3% on the dollar, data from RAC Fuel Watch* reveals.
Luckily though, pump prices are still cheaper than they were at the start of June as only 1.55p went on to the average price of unleaded during the month taking a litre to 129.21p (in June petrol fell 3p a litre to 127.62p). Diesel was slightly less affected, going up by a penny (0.93p) to 131.95p (in June diesel reduced by 4.6p to 130.90p).
This means a tank of petrol now sets drivers back £71.07 compared to £70.21 at the end of June. For diesel the difference is just 51p with a complete fill-up increasing to £72.57.
At the four big supermarkets the fuel price rise was steeper with 1.88p being added to petrol, taking their average price to 125.95p. Diesel went up 1.64p, making a litre cost 128.62p.
Wholesale prices rose as a result of oil enduring a mid-month boost, hitting a high of $67.41 on 10 July but falling away to $63.97 by the close. The other oil price-defining factor – the strength of sterling – took a dip following the change of Prime Minister, with the pound dropping 3% from $1.26 at the start of July to $1.22 by the close. In fact, the pound reached its lowest level against the dollar ($1.2152 on 30 July) since March 2017 ($1.2151 on 9 March 2017). Motorists will undoubtedly feel the pinch at the pumps if the pound remains this weak and oil were to rise to around $70 a barrel.
RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “Sadly, July saw a return to rising pump prices making the respite of June all too brief. While there were only relatively small rises in both petrol and diesel, the situation might have been far worse if the drop in the value of the pound had combined with the higher mid-month oil prices. And, of course this could still very easily prove to be the case if the pound doesn’t recover in the next few weeks.
“The price of a barrel of oil has been fluctuating between $60 and $70 since the end of May as traders can’t seem to be able to get a clear understanding of what’s happening with global demand. On the one hand there is talk of an economic slowdown in China and, on the other, concerns about supply due to the tanker hijacking issues in the Strait of Hormuz through which a third of the world’s sea-borne oil supply is shipped.
“Drivers can only hope we don’t see the nasty combination of a rising oil price and a falling pound. If we do, August could prove to be a very costly month on the UK’s roads. This could easily lead to petrol going above the 2019 high of 130.67p seen at the start of June and diesel exceeding the year’s high point of 135.54p at the end of May.”
Average fuel price milestones
| Unleaded | Date | Price |
| End of July | 31/07/2019 | 129.21 |
| 2019 high | 03/06/2019 | 130.67 |
| Highest since 2014 | 15/10/2018 | 131.58 |
| Previous highest price | 15/07/2014 | 131.61 |
| All-time high | 16/04/2012 | 142.48 |
| Diesel | Date | Price |
| End of July | 31/07/2019 | 131.95 |
| 2019 high | 30/05/2019 | 135.54 |
| Highest since 2014 | 30/10/2018 | 136.94 |
| Previous highest price | 10/03/2014 | 137.17 |
| All-time high | 12/04/2012 | 147.93 |
Regional average unleaded pump prices
| Unleaded | 02/07/2019 | 01/08/2019 | Change |
| UK average | 127.77 | 129.15 | 1.38 |
| Scotland | 127.63 | 129.34 | 1.71 |
| Yorkshire And The Humber | 127.18 | 128.76 | 1.58 |
| North West | 127.42 | 128.89 | 1.47 |
| South East | 128.46 | 129.89 | 1.43 |
| West Midlands | 127.93 | 129.27 | 1.34 |
| South West | 127.75 | 129.07 | 1.32 |
| East | 127.97 | 129.23 | 1.26 |
| Wales | 126.93 | 128.19 | 1.26 |
| North East | 127.26 | 128.47 | 1.21 |
| East Midlands | 127.98 | 129.16 | 1.18 |
| London | 128.34 | 129.47 | 1.13 |
| Northern Ireland | 125.82 | 126.78 | 0.96 |
| Diesel | 02/07/2019 | 01/08/2019 | Change |
| UK average | 131.04 | 132.04 | 1.00 |
| North East | 129.53 | 130.78 | 1.25 |
| North West | 130.57 | 131.76 | 1.19 |
| Scotland | 130.72 | 131.89 | 1.17 |
| Wales | 130.32 | 131.45 | 1.13 |
| London | 131.02 | 132.06 | 1.04 |
| East Midlands | 131.42 | 132.44 | 1.02 |
| West Midlands | 131.10 | 132.10 | 1.00 |
| South East | 132.01 | 132.95 | 0.94 |
| South West | 131.48 | 132.37 | 0.89 |
| Yorkshire And The Humber | 130.49 | 131.35 | 0.86 |
| Northern Ireland | 128.48 | 129.26 | 0.78 |
| East | 132.04 | 132.78 | 0.74 |
Green – cheapest/least; red – most expensive/most
Motorists can keep abreast of the latest fuel prices by visiting the RAC Fuel Watch webpage.
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Notes to Editors
About the RAC
First formed in 1897, the RAC has been looking after the needs of its members for more than 120 years.
Today it has approximately 10m members and is one of the UK’s most progressive motoring organisations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, insurance, buying a used car, vehicle inspections and checks, legal services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information – the RAC offers a solution for all motoring needs. The RAC is committed to making motoring easier, safer, more affordable and more enjoyable for drivers and road users.
The RAC supports the interests of its members and UK drivers at a national level. This includes voicing concerns about the increasing cost of motoring, particularly the price of fuel and the high level of tax levied on it, advancing levels of road safety, and supporting the needs of all drivers, from young to old.
The RAC’s annual Report on Motoring – first published in 1989 – is one of a kind and provides a clear insight into the concerns and issues facing today’s motorists.
For the very latest news on UK fuel prices, check RAC Fuel Watch. It provides a comprehensive guide to the latest UK unleaded petrol and diesel prices – both at the wholesale level and at the pump - and tracks these prices daily to help drivers check if the price they pay to fill up is a fair one.
For more information about the RAC, visit the RAC website.
