The five things petrol and diesel drivers should do right now as fuel prices soar
Reach Daily Express March 27, 2026 05:41 PM

Petrol and diesel drivers are feeling the sting with fuel costs continuing to soar this March. Unleaded petrol is up 16.6p per litre, with diesel prices an eye-watering 33.4p up since the start of the conflict in the Middle East at the end of February.

With costs on the up, cash-strapped families will be desperate to find simple ways to cut down their bills and keep more money in their wallets. Express takes a look at some of the best tips experts have urged road users to consider to slash charges.

Compare cheapest fuel prices

In the wake of petrol and diesel price hikes, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged road users to check the Government's new fuel finder scheme to quickly identify the best rates.

Under new changes, petrol stations must report any price updates within 30 minutes, allowing drivers to quickly find the most affordable station near them.

Readers can use the online tool below to work out which fuel station has the best rates. However, there have been some concerns the fuel finder scheme isn't working as well as it could be, which could prove a blow.

Cut out non-essential journeys

Earlier this month, AA President Edmund King urged road users to consider changing their plans toavoid any "non-essential journeys".

Taking one journey and combining several errands all at once could help with this, while road users may decide against driving altogether if they can access similar amenities nearby. This will help road users to save enough fuel in their tanks, meaning cars will last a little bit longer before they need to be topped-up.

Earlier in March, William Fletcher, CEO of Car.co.uk warned that visiting petrol stations in the early morning or very late at night could pay off with better rates.

He stressed motorists should fill up their vehicles at the "coldest part of the day" as fuel tends to be denser. In theory, this means drivers can get a bit more fuel in their tanks despite paying the exact same price. However, savings would be minuscule, meaning this should only be used alongside other tips.

Reduce speeds and slow down

Experts at Halfords have urged road users to drive less aggressively in a bid to cut back on the fuel consumption. The specialists have urged road users to avoid harsh braking and acceleration to enjoy optimal efficiency.

Meanwhile, LKQ Euro Car Parts explained that drivers could cut fuel use by up to 25% by reducing the speed on motorways, with 55-65mph considered to be the most efficient range. Lower speeds usually allow the engine to operate in an efficient RPM range, while also cutting aerodynamic drag.

Check tyre pressures

Tyres may not immediately come to mind when motorists think of saving fuel, but under-inflated rubber can massively affect efficiency. Tyres that are not properly pumped up will increase "rolling resistance," which in turn forces the engine to work harder.

National Tyres and Autocare explained that the difference in fuel efficiency can be as much as 10%, meaning it is crucial that vehicles are kept in good condition at all times.

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