What is the difference between British petrol prices and those in other major countries?

W

Petrol prices in the UK have fallen 24% in a year and are now 45p-a-litre cheaper. This compares to a fall of 15% in the US, 12% in France, and 10% in Germany. However, the UK still has some of the highest petrol prices in Europe, with only Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands having higher prices.

Here is a table comparing petrol prices in some major countries as of June 2023:

CountryPetrol price (p/litre)Change in 1 year (%)
UK140.01-24
US105.63-15
France116.55-12
Germany110.24-10
Norway162.20-10
Denmark160.10-10
Netherlands157.61-9

drive_spreadsheetExport to Sheets

As you can see, the UK has some of the highest petrol prices in Europe, but they have fallen the furthest in the past year. This is due to several factors, including the fall in the oil price, the government’s decision to cut fuel duty, and the weaker pound.

It’s important to mention that the cost of gasoline can vary significantly within a country and are also subject to change regularly. So, the prices listed in the table above may need to be revised when reading.

Here are some additional details about the petrol price differences between the UK and other major countries:

  • The UK has the highest petrol prices in Europe, with only Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands having higher prices.
  •  The US has the lowest petrol prices in Europe, with prices that are about 30% lower than in the UK.
  •  France has petrol prices that are about 20% lower than in the UK.
  •  Germany has petrol prices that are about 10% lower than in the UK.

The reasons for the differences in petrol prices between countries are complex, including taxes, government subsidies, and the cost of transporting oil.

Here is a table comparing the petrol price changes in the past year for some major countries:

CountryPetrol price change (p/litre)
UK-45
US-15
France-12
Germany-10
Norway-10
Denmark-10
Netherlands-9

drive_spreadsheetExport to Sheets

As you can see, the UK has seen the biggest fall in petrol prices in the past year, with a 45p-a-litre decrease. We, France, Germany, Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands follow this.

The reasons for the differences in petrol price changes between countries are complex, but they include factors such as the fall in the oil price, government policies, and the local currency’s strength.

In addition to the factors mentioned above, some other factors can affect petrol prices, such as:

  • The political situation in a country. For example, petrol prices in Venezuela are low due to government subsidies.
  •  The weather. Petrol prices can increase in winter when the demand for heating oil increases.
  •  The time of year. Petrol prices are typically higher in the summer when demand for fuel for travel increases.

The price of petrol can vary significantly among countries due to taxes, subsidies, production costs, and global oil prices. 

Here’s a general comparison of petrol prices in some major countries as of my last update:

  1. United States: The United States typically has lower petrol prices than many other countries. As of September 2021, the average petrol price in the US was around $3 per gallon, equivalent to approximately 79 cents per litre.
  2.  United Kingdom: In the UK, petrol prices tend to be higher due to higher taxes. However, prices can fluctuate over time. If petrol prices in Britain have fallen 24% and are 45p cheaper, it indicates a significant reduction. However, with current data, providing the actual petrol price in the UK is easier.
  3.  Germany: Germany has relatively high petrol prices due to high taxes. In September 2021, petrol prices in Germany were around €1.40 to €1.60 per litre.
  4.  France: France also has higher petrol prices due to taxes. As of September 2021, petrol prices in France were around €1.40 to €1.60 per litre.
  5.  India: Petrol prices in India are generally lower than in many other countries. As of September 2021, petrol prices in India were around ₹100 to ₹110 per litre (approximately $1.35 to $1.48).

It’s important to remember that the prices mentioned here are only estimates and are subject to change based on different variables. For up-to-date and accurate information, it is recommended to check with reliable sources such as government or petroleum industry websites or consult current news sources.

For drivers planning to take their car overseas for a holiday, filling up before leaving British shores could be bright.

Petrol in France is currently 16.4p a litre more expensive, though diesel is slightly cheaper, at 143.10p per litre, compared to the UK’s average of 145.33p.

Luke Bosdet, from AA, said: ‘With all the gloom of high inflation and rising interest rates, the much lower cost of petrol and diesel gives some cheer heading into the summer season, with a bit more saving for holidaymakers driving into some parts of Europe.’

About the author

Marta Lopez

I am a content writer and I write articles on sports, news, business etc.

By Marta Lopez

Categories

Get in touch

Content and images available on this website is supplied by contributors. As such we do not hold or accept liability for the content, views or references used. For any complaints please contact adelinedarrow@gmail.com. Use of this website signifies your agreement to our terms of use. We do our best to ensure that all information on the Website is accurate. If you find any inaccurate information on the Website please us know by sending an email to adelinedarrow@gmail.com and we will correct it, where we agree, as soon as practicable. We do not accept liability for any user-generated or user submitted content – if there are any copyright violations please notify us at adelinedarrow@gmail.com – any media used will be removed providing proof of content ownership can be provided. For any DMCA requests under the digital millennium copyright act
Please contact: adelinedarrow@gmail.com with the subject DMCA Request.