Petrol Prices Surge to Record Highs in February
February saw the fastest rise in petrol prices since last October’s record-breaking jump. Unleaded fuel rocketed by 4.54p a litre, hitting an all-time high of 151.25p on February 27. That’s up from 146.62p at the start of the month.
Filling up your family car now costs a staggering £83.14, which is £3 more than January and a whopping £15 more than the same time last year — a 22% increase.
Diesel Prices Break Records Too
Diesel drivers got hit even harder. Diesel rose 4.76p a litre, closing February at a jaw-dropping 154.75p — the highest price ever recorded. Filling a 55-litre diesel tank now costs £85.11, up from £82.49 at the start of the month and £69.67 one year ago.
What’s Fueling This Price Explosion?
The spike is driven by soaring wholesale fuel costs. Oil prices jumped $10 in February, ending the month at $103.26 a barrel. Just days earlier, oil peaked at $106.61 — the highest since August 2014.
The key trigger? Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has tightened global oil supplies. Before the conflict, demand was already outstripping supply as economies bounced back from the pandemic.
RAC Warns of More Pain at the Pumps
Despite the pain for drivers, the RAC says petrol station profits have dropped from last year’s inflated levels. Margins averaged 8p per litre for petrol and just under 6p for diesel in February, down from 16p and 12p in December.
RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said:
“February was undoubtedly a shocking month for drivers. Pump prices reached record levels, hitting households hard. The ongoing rises show no sign of stopping any time soon.
“Russia’s invasion pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel for the first time in nearly eight years, driving wholesale prices sky-high. With so many Brits reliant on their cars, rising fuel costs could force families to cut back on non-essential journeys.”
“We’re urging the Treasury to consider an emergency VAT cut on fuel to ease the burden and protect drivers from future hikes.”
Regional Petrol and Diesel Price Breakdown
Unleaded Prices (p per litre):
- UK average: 146.62 → 151.16 (+4.54p)
- North West: 146.49 → 151.50 (+5.01p)
- West Midlands: 146.20 → 151.13 (+4.93p)
- London: 147.26 → 151.79 (+4.53p)
- Scotland: 146.12 → 150.72 (+4.60p)
- Wales: 145.94 → 150.07 (+4.13p)
Diesel Prices (p per litre):
- UK average: 149.99 → 154.75 (+4.76p)
- North West: 149.66 → 154.98 (+5.32p)
- West Midlands: 149.92 → 155.05 (+5.13p)
- London: 150.61 → 155.16 (+4.55p)
- Scotland: 150.04 → 154.83 (+4.79p)
- Wales: 149.58 → 154.09 (+4.51p)
With fuel prices surging nationwide, drivers are bracing for more painful months ahead unless urgent government action steps in.
