Petrol and diesel drivers are being advised to avoid refueling their vehicles after 5pm due to rising fuel costs during peak hours. Rebecca Bebbington, a Personal Finance expert at NetVoucherCodes, explained that fuel prices typically fluctuate throughout the day, often being lower during off-peak periods.
“Try to fill up your tank early in the morning or late at night to take advantage of potentially lower prices,” Bebbington recommended. “Avoid peak times such as midday and after 5pm when most people finish work and fuel demand surges.”
Although Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert and well-known BBC and ITV personality, has downplayed the idea that filling up at night significantly reduces cost, he noted a small benefit. “Fuel pumps are calibrated by volume, so when it’s colder at night, you get a tiny bit more fuel for your money, but the difference is just a few pennies at best.”
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The warning comes amid frustration from motorists facing soaring diesel prices at petrol stations. At Rivington Services on the M61 near Bolton, Lancashire, diesel prices have recently hit 200.9p per litre, sparking outrage among drivers.
Lorry driver Jenna Baxter, 35, voiced her frustration: “It’s ridiculous—an absolute rip-off. The price increased by a penny since yesterday. I had to spend £500 filling up today. Some stations are even running out of diesel.”
She added, “Charnock Richard is waiting for a diesel delivery, and when I was in Rotherham yesterday, they had none. I pay by fuel card; if I paid out of pocket, I’d probably stop driving.”
Fellow lorry driver Ian Lomax, 57, also criticized the high prices: “It’s daylight robbery. Prices hitting £2 per litre are outrageous. If I paid personally, I’d be very careful about where I fuel up. Companies will likely pass these extra costs onto customers. I’m fortunate not to be paying directly.”