How to Save Money on Fuel in the UK

With petrol at 140.3p/litre and diesel at 148.2p, a full tank costs more than ever. But there are straightforward ways to cut your fuel spend — both at the pump and on the road.

1. Always use supermarket forecourts

The single biggest saving is choosing where you fill up. Supermarkets charge around 136.3p/litre on average, saving roughly £2.00 on every 50-litre fill versus a premium brand forecourt. Avoid motorway services — they routinely charge 152.3p or more per litre.

2. Keep tyres inflated correctly

Under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance, which means your engine works harder and burns more fuel. Keeping tyres at the correct pressure can improve fuel economy by up to 3%. Check them monthly.

3. Drive smoothly

Aggressive acceleration and hard braking are two of the biggest fuel wasters. Smooth, anticipatory driving can reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%. On motorways, cruise control maintains a consistent speed and avoids small fluctuations that burn extra fuel.

4. Reduce your speed

Driving at 60mph instead of 70mph can reduce fuel consumption by around 9%. Aerodynamic drag increases exponentially with speed — at motorway speeds this matters significantly.

5. Remove unnecessary weight

Every extra 50kg increases fuel consumption by around 1-2%. Remove roof boxes, bike racks, and heavy items from your boot when not needed. A roof box at motorway speeds can increase fuel use by up to 10%.

6. Use cashback and loyalty schemes

• Tesco Clubcard — earn points on fuel at Tesco forecourts
• Sainsbury's Nectar — points on fuel at Sainsbury's
• Amex cashback cards — 0.5-1% cashback on all spend including fuel
• BP & Shell loyalty apps — occasional discounts and offers

7. Fill up mid-week

Petrol prices tend to creep up on Thursdays and Fridays ahead of weekend demand. Filling up on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday can sometimes save 1-2p per litre.