The AA found that petrol on popular holiday routes ranges from 129.9p to 170.9p per litre (ppl). The study found that motorway petrol averages 155.7ppl, while A-roads average at 140.1ppl. The UK average stands at 134.6ppl.
Researchers found the cheapest motorway petrol cost 129.9ppl (M90, junction 1A) and the most expensive 170.9ppl (M74, junctions 4 and 6).
For drivers for whom an A-road route is an alternative to a motorway one, the fuel savings can be substantial.
The AA compared motorway and A-road petrol prices on popular holiday routes:
- West Country routes (London to Exeter): Motorway average – petrol 155.2ppl, diesel 163.1ppl; A-road average – petrol 139ppl, diesel 146.9ppl.
- North-South routes: M1/M6 average – petrol 158.8ppl, diesel 167.1ppl; A1M/A1 average – petrol 145.8ppl, diesel 154.6ppl.
- Routes into Wales: M4 average – petrol 154.5ppl, diesel 163.1ppl; A55 average – petrol 142.2ppl, diesel 149.8ppl.
Why Life Insurance Still Matters – Even During a Cost-of-Living Crisis
Sponsored by Post Office
According to the AA, in the past month, average pump prices have risen from 132.1ppl for petrol and 138.2ppl for diesel (16 June) to 134.6ppl and 141.9ppl respectively (14 July).
Looking at current prices, the AA found drivers face motorway averages of 155.7ppl for petrol and 164.4ppl for diesel. On A-roads, petrol averages 140.1ppl and diesel 147.6ppl.
A report by the Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) last year found that petrol retailers are making too much profit at the pumps.
Edmund King, the AA’s president, said: “Even with the extra costs of providing a 24-hour service, free parking and facilities and staffing, charging 20-30p a litre above the UK average pump price or £10-15 a tank more to fill up on a motorway is frankly outrageous. No wonder holiday drivers baulk at buying fuel at a service area.
“However, while there is a danger that pricing at so many motorway service areas tars them all with the same brush, pump price transparency courtesy of the CMA voluntary scheme is revealing the better if not bargain-priced fuel stations along popular holiday routes. Mobile services like the AA App, now no longer hindered by the search restrictions of old, allow users to trace a route and locate the previously hidden cheaper fuel stations along it or just off the junctions.
“Savings on A-road holiday routes stand out in particular. However, there is the likelihood of slower traffic at peak times and many cheaper fuel stations will not operate late at night. It’s a gamble, but it may well pay off if a vacation trip cannot be done in one hop.”
