In November, the average price of unleaded jumped 2.17p to 137.17p per litre - the highest level since March 2025.
Diesel rose even more sharply, up 3.84p to 146.57p per litre, a price last seen in August 2024.
Supermarkets, while still cheaper than the UK average, also raised their prices. Unleaded climbed 2.46p to 134.48p per litre and diesel increased 3.6p to 143.08p.
The rises mean filling a typical family petrol car now costs £75.44 on average, up £1.19 in a month. A full diesel tank has risen £2.11 to £80.61.
Those who fill up at supermarket forecourts pay slightly less - £73.69 for petrol and £78.69 for diesel.
Drivers in Northern Ireland continue to benefit from the lowest fuel prices in the UK, with unleaded averaging 129.6p per litre and diesel 137.7p.
The increases come just weeks before Christmas and shortly after the Budget confirmed fuel duty will rise from next September, ending the 5p-per-litre discount introduced in 2022.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Drivers will be disappointed to see prices at the pumps rise so sharply in the run-up to the festive period.
“Not only is it one of the most expensive times of the year, it’s also a time when many of us drive hundreds of miles to celebrate with family and friends.”
Here’s our latest roundup of 21 of the cheapest places to fill up in and around Preston, based on petrolprices.com data from Friday, December 5:

5. Asda, Eastway, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9UY
Petrol - 138.9p/ Diesel - 160.7p (Prices updated 20.03.26) | Google

6. Tesco, Towngate, Leyland, PR25 2FN
Petrol - 138.9p/ Diesel - 157.9p (Prices updated 20.03.26) | Google

7. Morrisons, Olympian Way, Leyland, PR25 3UR
Petrol - 139.9p/ Diesel - 159.9p (Prices updated 20.03.26) | Google

8. Sainsbury's, Cuerden Way, Bamber Bridge, Preston, PR5 6BJ
Petrol - 140.9p/ Diesel - 158.9p (Prices updated 20.03.26) | Google


