Motorists are spending an average of £18.20 more to fill up their tanks compared to before the fuel price surge in March 2026.
The survey of 2,000 petrol and diesel drivers, commissioned by temporary car insurance provider Tempcover, found diesel drivers are faring worse, spending an average of £23.10 more per tank.
Some 88% of respondents say they are concerned about continued price increases.
Nearly half of drivers, 44%, say they are driving less as a direct result of higher costs. Cutting non-essential trips is the most common response at 62%, followed by walking or cycling more at 39% and increased public transport use at 26%.
Almost half of respondents, 49%, have also reduced household spending in at least one area to cover fuel costs, with eating out the most common cutback at 28%.
The findings also point to an accelerating shift towards electric vehicles. Nearly a quarter of drivers, 24%, say they are now likely to switch to an EV, if fuel prices remain high, with a further 28% considering a hybrid as their next vehicle.
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