Resources
Frequently asked questions
Straightforward answers on fuel prices, tax, savings, and how to get involved.
Pump prices are shaped by several factors moving together: the global wholesale price of crude oil, refining costs, exchange rates (fuel is traded in US dollars), fuel duty, VAT, and distribution and retailer margins. See our Why Are Prices Rising? page for a full breakdown of each factor.
Check the claim
What do the figures actually show?
Pick a common claim about fuel prices and see the relevant official figures, with dates, context and sources. No verdicts: just the evidence and its limits.
What the evidence shows
- Average petrol price
- 175.3p
- Fuel Duty
- 52.95p
- VAT (calculated)
- 29.2p
Tax is about 47% of the average petrol price: close to half, but not most of it.
Context: Fuel Duty is a fixed amount per litre, so its share falls when pump prices rise and grows when they fall. VAT is always one-sixth of the pump price. Diesel is 200.0p, so tax is about 43% of a diesel litre.
Week commencing 12 October 2026; Fuel Duty rate in force · Source: GOV.UK / DESNZ: Weekly road fuel prices
Looking for official sources?
See our Sources page for links to GOV.UK, UK Parliament, ONS, the CMA, and more.