Petrol and diesel owners have been told to avoid filling up their cars with fuel on Friday and Saturday, with road users at risk of paying more. According to specialists at National Scrap Car, fuel prices typically “rise towards the weekend”, with Friday and Saturday the most costly.
An “increase in leisure travel” has been blamed for the price hikes later in the week in a possibly serious blow to those running combustion vehicles. Instead, motorists have been urged to fill up their cars on Monday or Tuesday to secure cheaper deals and the best prices. The analysis was issued to road users as experts highlighted simple ways motorists could save money on fuel this Autumn.
Experts at National Scrap Car said: “When it comes to saving money on fuel, the advice is simple: fill up early in the week. We typically see prices rise towards the weekend, with Friday and Saturday being the most expensive days due to increased leisure travel. For the best value, try to get to the pump on a Monday or Tuesday.”
Fuel prices can fluctuate due to almost daily shifts in the global price of crude oil. Meanwhile, changes to operational costs and varying prices across local competition can have a major influence over how much road users will pay.
Kazimieras Urbonas, Supplier Excellence Manager at Ovoko, has also urged road users to avoid the same dates if they want to make the highest savings.
He explained: “Understanding these price cycles can make a real difference to your fuel budget. If you can avoid filling up on Fridays and weekends, you're likely to save money consistently throughout the year.”
Data from RAC Fuel Watch shows petrol and diesel prices have steadily risen over the past few weeks in what could be a massive concern for motorists.
Unleaded petrol prices stand at 135.03p per litre, up from the 132.08p per litre recorded back in June. Diesel is now up at 142.92p per litre in an increase of around 8p per litre since the 134.64p recorded back in July.
Rebecca Bebbington, expert at NetVoucherCodes, has previously explained that motorists can get the best rates by filling their car up during the middle of the day.
She said: “Petrol prices can fluctuate throughout the day, with prices typically lower during off-peak hours. Try to fill up your tank early in the morning or late at night to take advantage of potentially lower prices. Avoid peak times such as midday and after 5pm when the majority of the country finishes work."
