UK fuel prices surge to highest level since 2022 ahead of bank holiday travel

According to the AA, UK pump prices for petrol and diesel have reached their peak since 2022, reflecting increased wholesale costs tied to recent international conflicts. The surge comes as millions of drivers prepare for the bank holiday weekend, which the RAC expects to bring the highest traffic volumes since its records began, especially on Friday when more than four million vehicles may be on the road. AA spokesperson Luke Bosdet criticized the market as overly expensive and uncompetitive, noting that many communities lack reasonably priced fuel.

The Competition and Markets Authority has stepped up oversight, warning retailers and sending over a thousand letters to stations that did not provide pricing information to the government’s Fuel Finder scheme. Some regions, such as Aylesbury, Wembley and Gloucester, have seen locally lower prices, suggesting that competitive forecourts can help reduce costs in nearby areas.