Impact of Rising Petrol and Diesel Prices on Family Holiday Travel As petrol and diesel prices continue to rise, families are facing increased expenses for holiday travel. This surge in fuel costs is making it more challenging for families to budget for their vacations, leading to potential changes in travel plans. It's essential for families to explore alternative travel options and consider strategies to manage their holiday expenses effectively.
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As the festive season approaches, recent findings reveal a significant increase in fuel prices. Average costs for unleaded petrol and diesel have seen their largest monthly rises since April. According to the latest data from RAC Fuel Watch, petrol prices rose by 2.17p in November, bringing the average price per litre to 137.17p, the highest level since mid-March.
Diesel prices have also surged, increasing by 3.84p in the past month. The current average cost for a litre of diesel is now 146.57p, a level not seen since late August. The last time fuel prices rose so sharply in a single month was in April.
Impact on drivers’ expenses
The implications of these rising fuel prices are considerable, especially for families preparing for holiday travel. The RAC reported that the average cost to fill a family-sized petrol car has reached £75.44, reflecting an increase of £1.19 from the end of October when it was £74.25.
For those refueling at supermarket stations, the average cost is slightly lower at £73.69.
Diesel costs on the rise
Similarly, the cost for a full diesel refill has climbed to an average of £80.61, an increase of £2.11 since the start of November. Drivers filling up at supermarkets can expect to pay around £78.69. Compared to the previous year, petrol has increased by approximately 0.5p per litre, while diesel has seen a more significant rise of over 4p.
Upcoming changes and consumer strategies
The recent rise in fuel prices aligns with last week’s budget announcement, which revealed that the rate of fuel duty is set to increase from 52.95p starting next September. This news raises further concerns for drivers during a time when many are already budgeting for holiday travel expenses.
Simon Williams, the head of policy at the RAC, expressed disappointment over the sharp rise in fuel prices as the festive season nears. He noted, “This period is typically one of the most expensive times of the year, and many families are likely to embark on lengthy journeys to join their loved ones. This could result in a financially burdensome holiday season for many drivers.”
Finding the best deals
However, there is a way for drivers to save money by being strategic about where they purchase fuel. The myRAC app features a fuel finder that helps users locate the most affordable petrol and diesel prices nearby. Williams emphasized the value of this tool, stating, “Every penny counts; for instance, saving just 1p per litre can save an average family-sized car approximately 55p per tank.”
With fuel prices rising ahead of the holidays, drivers are encouraged to stay informed and utilize available resources to minimize costs. Being proactive in finding the best prices can significantly impact families’ travel budgets during this busy season.
