RAC highlights 11p per litre fuel price gap urging drivers to use comparison tools to unlock savings
Executive summary: The RAC issued a press release urging UK drivers to shop around for fuel, citing an 11p per litre price gap between the lowest and highest pump prices and noting that many motorists miss savings by not using price‑comparison tools. Closing the gap could save households hundreds of pounds a year and increase competitive pressure on fuel retailers, potentially curbing excessive price dispersion.
Who is involved: Royal Automobile Club (RAC), UK motorists, fuel retailers (supermarkets, independent stations), price‑comparison app providers (e.g., PetrolPrices, Waze).
Likely next: Adoption of fuel price apps will rise, retailers may introduce price‑match guarantees, and motoring groups will continue monitoring price transparency ahead of any regulatory review.
The Royal Automobile Club points out that many motorists overpay for fuel because they do not check real‑time price apps, leaving an average 11pence per litre difference between the cheapest and most expensive forecourts. The advice reflects ongoing volatility in wholesale energy markets and aims to nudge consumers toward more competitive purchasing behaviour.
Timeline
- — Drivers urged to shop around amid 11p fuel gap (BBC Business)
- — Why has the price of fish and chips gone up? (BBC Business)
Analysis — what this means
Likely next events
- RAC to publish a weekly fuel price comparison guide starting 15 July 2026
- Major supermarket fuel chains to trial price‑match guarantees by August 2026
- UK Department for Transport to consult on mandatory real‑time price signage at forecourts in Q3 2026
- Consumer advocacy group FuelWatch to lobby for real‑time pump displays by Q4 2026
Sources
- Drivers urged to shop around amid 11p fuel gap — BBC Business
- Why has the price of fish and chips gone up? — BBC Business