Official data reveals automotive fuel costs remained stable in early May but show sharp year-on-year increases as demand patterns shift.
Automotive fuel prices across the UK showed no significant movement in the week ending 3 May 2026, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics. But the data reveals a stark contrast when compared with the same period last year – with price growth up 34 percentage points year-on-year.
The ONS automotive fuel spending dataset shows growth rates for average fuel prices were “broadly unchanged” week-on-week. Yet this apparent stability masks the underlying pressure on household budgets from sustained higher costs compared with spring 2025.
Demand Patterns Tell Different Story
Consumer behaviour at the pumps shows mixed signals. Average fuel demand per transaction climbed 2 percentage points compared with the previous week, suggesting drivers filled up slightly more per visit. However, demand remains down 11 percentage points compared with the same week last year.
This annual drop in fuel purchasing could indicate households cutting back on non-essential journeys or switching to more fuel-efficient transport options.
The Broader Picture
The government maintains its fuel duty freeze – held at 52.95p per litre since 2011 – helps shield drivers from worse price increases. Energy Secretary officials point to stability in wholesale prices as supporting current retail levels, according to Department for Energy Security and Net Zero statements.
Opposition voices paint a different picture. Labour Party representatives argue the 34 percentage point year-on-year growth demonstrates the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, with calls for VAT on fuel to be slashed to 5%.
Consumer groups including Which? and the RAC Foundation suggest the annual demand decline shows households making difficult choices about travel spending. They’re pressing supermarkets to pass on wholesale price reductions more quickly to forecourt customers.
Data Limitations
The ONS classifies this automotive fuel data as “official statistics in development”. The figures track estimated quantities of fuel demand per average transaction rather than absolute volumes or prices.
Source: @ONS
Key Takeaways
- Fuel price growth held steady week-on-week but remains 34 percentage points higher than May 2025
- Drivers bought slightly more fuel per visit in early May, up 2 percentage points week-on-week
- Annual demand per transaction down 11 percentage points, suggesting households cutting back on fuel purchases
What This Means for Kent Residents
Kent’s car-dependent communities face continued pressure from elevated fuel costs, chiefly affecting rural areas with limited public transport alternatives. County council officials note these higher expenses contribute to transport poverty across the region, with daily commutes on routes like the M20 and through the Dartford Crossing becoming increasingly expensive. Drivers should use RAC or AA fuel price comparison tools to find the cheapest local petrol stations, as Kent prices typically mirror broader South East trends where average petrol costs 148.2p per litre.