Filling an SUV with unleaded petrol now costs £15 more than two years ago, while diesel refuelling is almost £40 more expensive, recent analysis shows. The surge in fuel costs is prompting drivers to fundamentally rethink their transport choices. A survey of more than 1,100 motorists found that 51 per cent had altered their travel or driving habits to reduce spending at the pumps.
The behavioural shifts are substantial. According to the poll by DiscoverCars.com, two fifths of drivers are avoiding unnecessary car journeys, while over two thirds now compare fuel prices at different petrol stations before refuelling, a practice they did not follow previously. About a third say they have changed their driving style to be more fuel-efficient, and a quarter are combining multiple errands into a single trip. Beyond adjusting driving patterns, 30 per cent of respondents reported using their cars less often. Some 18 per cent are walking short distances they would previously have driven, while 14 per cent are using public transport more regularly and 12 per cent are cycling more often.
The shift towards electric vehicles represents a significant turning point. The AA's latest EV Readiness Index shows that 60 out of 100 UK drivers are now considering switching to battery-powered cars, up from 47.5 just over a year ago. The AA says this year's soaring fuel prices have become the final straw for many motorists weighing the switch.
The rising cost of fuel is also driving an increase in crime at forecourts. Analysis by Forecourt Eye reveals that diesel theft and non-payment incidents have surged faster than petrol-related crimes since the outbreak of conflict between the US and Iran. Diesel-related incidents increased by 21 per cent between March and October, compared with a 12 per cent rise for petrol over the same period. The volume of diesel involved in theft and no-payment situations increased by 27 per cent, more than three times the 8 per cent rise for petrol.
The financial impact of fuel crime has become severe. The gross value of diesel involved in theft and non-payment incidents rose by 60 per cent, compared with 27 per cent for petrol, reflecting both higher prices and larger volumes being stolen in each incident. The average number of daily fuel crime incidents across UK forecourts increased from 164 to 192 over the eight-month period, a rise of 17 per cent. Michelle Henchoz, managing director of Forecourt Eye, said the data suggests that while sudden price spikes can trigger incidents, their impact can persist long after the initial shock passes.
For households and businesses across the UK, higher fuel costs mean difficult choices between filling up vehicles and other essential expenses, while the broader shift towards walking, cycling and public transport could reshape travel patterns for years to come.