Fuel prices are skyrocketing, and drivers are scrambling to find the best deals—but where should you fill up to avoid the worst of the hikes? With tensions in the Middle East threatening to push petrol and diesel costs to record levels, motorists are on high alert. But here’s where it gets tricky: not all petrol stations are created equal, and knowing where to go could save you a small fortune.
The conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel has already sent shockwaves through the oil market, causing Brent crude prices to surge by 13% earlier this week. This has sparked fears that pump prices could spike in a matter of days, leaving drivers wondering how to protect their wallets. And this is the part most people miss: while prices are climbing, some forecourts are holding out longer than others, offering a temporary refuge from the fuel frenzy.
AA president Edmund King warns that pump prices are ‘inevitably’ set to rise, potentially returning to the highs seen at the start of the year. For context, a litre of petrol averaged 135.7p in early 2026, compared to 131.9p just last month. But don’t panic—experts have pinpointed where you’re most likely to find lower prices, even as costs soar.
Here’s the controversial part: Luke Bosdet, the AA’s pump price spokesperson, suggests heading to supermarket forecourts to dodge the worst of the hikes. Supermarkets, he explains, tend to keep prices down for longer, giving drivers a bit of breathing room. But is this strategy foolproof? Not exactly. With the government’s Fuel Finder tool gaining traction, drivers will soon have more transparency to spot cheaper stations locally—so why rely solely on supermarkets?
According to the RAC’s fuel watch, Asda currently leads the pack as the cheapest supermarket for petrol, charging an average of 129.4p per litre, with diesel at 138.7p. Morrisons and Sainsbury’s follow closely behind, offering petrol at 129.8p and 129.9p per litre, respectively. For diesel, Tesco and Sainsbury’s take the second and third spots, charging 139.8p and 139.1p per litre.
But here’s where it gets even more interesting: Despite the looming crisis, the AA urges drivers not to panic buy. ‘There’s no need to refuel differently than normal,’ a spokesperson reassures. ‘Price increases take time to reach the pump, and with spring around the corner, car fuel consumption naturally drops—engines don’t work as hard as they do in winter.’ Still, the memory of September 2021’s panic-buying chaos, triggered by fears of a lorry driver shortage, lingers in many minds.
So, what’s the takeaway? While supermarket forecourts may offer temporary relief, staying informed and using tools like Fuel Finder could be your best bet in the long run. But we want to hear from you: Do you think supermarket stations are the ultimate solution, or is there a better way to navigate the fuel crisis? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
