The cost of a litre of unleaded rose by 0.65p in February to reach 139.65p.
The last time petrol was this expensive was on 6 September 2024 when it was 139.81p, according to the RAC.
Average diesel prices also went up last month by 0.73p to 146.48p, a price last seen in late August (29 August 2024 – 146.55p).
RAC fuel spokesperson Simon Williams said: “It’s disappointing to see pump prices up yet again in February, with drivers now facing some of the highest costs at forecourts since the end of last summer.
“Motorists were the unfortunate casualties of rising wholesale prices through January, not helped by global oil prices hitting the $82-a-barrel mark in the middle of the month.
“But we hope better times are on the horizon. With wholesale fuel costs falling throughout February, there’s a good prospect petrol and diesel prices will come down this month as retailers buy fresh stock at lower prices.
“As always, it really does pay to shop around because pump prices at supermarket sites vary by as much as 13p a litre.”
Using data from petrolprices.com, these are the cheapest places to fill up in and around Preston as of Monday, March 10:

17. Esso, Garstang Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9XH
Petrol - 145.9p/ Diesel - 170.9p (Prices updated 20.03.26) | Google

18. Shell, Bluebell Way, Preston, PR2 5PZ
Petrol - 145.9p (Price updated 19.03.26) Diesel - 168.9p (Price updated 20.03.26) | Google

19. Esso, Preston New Road, Lostock Hall, Samlesbury, Preston, PR5 0UX
Petrol - 145.9p/ Diesel - 172.9p (Prices updated 20.03.26) | Google

20. Texaco, Ribbleton Lane, Preston, PR1 5EB
Petrol - 146.7p/ Diesel - 169.7p (Prices updated 20.03.26) | Google


