Global Fuel Prices 2026
Fuel prices vary enormously around the world — from under 10p per litre in some oil-producing nations to well over 200p in high-tax European countries. Understanding why prices differ, and what's currently driving them up or down, can help you plan journeys, budget more accurately, and make smarter decisions at the pump.
Latest update: UK petrol is averaging 174.1p/litre and diesel 199.2p/litre — diesel is now level with its July 2022 record. Brent crude has stayed around $100 per barrel through the autumn, and prices across Europe have risen too: the EU average is now about €1.95 for petrol and €2.15 for diesel.
Petrol and diesel prices by country
Prices below are national averages per litre (per gallon for the US), including all local taxes, with an approximate UK pence equivalent. European prices are from the EU Weekly Oil Bulletin; the "vs UK" column compares petrol.
| Country | Petrol price | Diesel price | vs UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | $4.17/gallon (~82p/L) | — | ~53% cheaper |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | A$2.42/L (~127p) | A$2.81/L (~148p) | ~27% cheaper |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | €1.47/L (~123p) | €1.78/L (~149p) | ~29% cheaper |
| 🇸🇪 Sweden | €1.56/L (~131p) | €2.04/L (~171p) | ~25% cheaper |
| 🇱🇺 Luxembourg | €1.75/L (~146p) | €2.05/L (~172p) | ~16% cheaper |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | €1.75/L (~147p) | €1.89/L (~158p) | ~16% cheaper |
| 🇦🇹 Austria | €1.77/L (~149p) | €2.13/L (~179p) | ~15% cheaper |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | €1.95/L (~164p) | €2.38/L (~199p) | ~6% cheaper |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | €1.97/L (~165p) | €2.14/L (~179p) | ~5% cheaper |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 174.1p/L | 199.2p/L | — |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | €2.01/L (~168p) | €2.25/L (~188p) | ~3% cheaper |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | €2.17/L (~182p) | €2.30/L (~193p) | ~4% more expensive |
| 🇫🇷 France | €2.18/L (~183p) | €2.35/L (~197p) | ~5% more expensive |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | €2.31/L (~194p) | €2.47/L (~207p) | ~11% more expensive |
| 🇩🇰 Denmark | €2.53/L (~212p) | €2.50/L (~210p) | ~22% more expensive |
What's driving fuel prices in 2026?
Fuel prices are determined by a complex mix of global and local factors. Here are the main ones affecting what you pay at the pump right now.
Why is diesel more expensive than petrol in the UK?
Diesel has historically been cheaper to produce than petrol, but UK pump prices tell a different story. Diesel is currently around 25p per litre more expensive than petrol in the UK — one of the larger gaps in Europe.
The CMA found evidence of "rocket and feather" pricing in diesel — prices rise quickly when wholesale costs increase but fall much more slowly when costs come down. The Fuel Finder scheme is partly designed to address this by making price movements more transparent and easier to compare.
Which country has the cheapest fuel in the world?
Oil-producing nations typically have the cheapest fuel because they subsidise it heavily for their populations. Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Iran, and Libya consistently have some of the world's lowest pump prices — often equivalent to just a few pence per litre in UK terms. The UAE is also significantly cheaper than the UK despite being a major tourist destination.
In contrast, the most expensive fuel is typically found in small island nations with high import costs, and in high-tax European countries like Norway, the Netherlands, and Denmark.
How to spend less on fuel — practical tips
🌿 Drive smarter, spend less
Slow down on motorways. Driving at 70mph instead of 80mph can save 10-15% on fuel costs — often £3-5 on a typical motorway journey. Use our calculator to see the exact saving for your car and route.
Use supermarket forecourts. Supermarket petrol is on average 5p per litre cheaper than branded forecourts — that's around £2.50 saved on a full 50-litre tank.
Check prices before you fill up. The UK Government's Fuel Finder scheme means all major forecourts must publish live prices. Apps like Fuel Finder UK show the cheapest stations near you in real time.
Fill up mid-week. Prices tend to be lower on Tuesday and Wednesday and higher on Thursday and Friday ahead of the weekend.
Keep your tyres inflated. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and can reduce fuel economy by up to 3%.