Petrol prices

This week's average price for unleaded petrol is 128.4p per litre and the UK average for diesel is 132.6p per litre. For petrol, that's the highest price for eight weeks, and 4p per litre more than the average for this year so far. The latest diesel price is closer to the annual average of 132.1p. Both prices are the same as those for the same week in 2018. 

These average fuel prices are compiled each week for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy using data supplied by four oil companies and two supermarkets. 

According to Simon Williams from the RAC's Fuel Watch team, fuel prices started to rise again in July 2019 after dipping during June. The two factors influencing the rise are the pound losing value against the dollar and rising wholesale oil prices. Although prices haven't yet crept up to the high point they reached at the start of June, could continue to rise.   

Williams commented: “Sadly July saw a return to rising pump prices making the respite of June all too brief. While there were only relatively small rises in both petrol and diesel, the situation might have been far worse if the drop in the value of the pound had combined with the higher mid-month oil prices. And, of course, this could still very easily prove to be the case if the pound doesn’t recover in the next few weeks.

“Drivers can only hope we don’t see the nasty combination of a rising oil price and a falling pound. If we do, August could prove to be a very costly month on the UK’s roads. This could easily lead to petrol going above the 2019 high of 130.67p seen at the start of June and diesel exceeding the year’s high point of 135.54p at the end of May.”

So, to save money, we recommend avoiding motorway service stations and heading for a nearby supermarket instead. You might also use one of the popular smartphone apps that can find the cheapest fuel near you. 

Regional fuel price comparison:

Regional prices are from the RAC Fuel Watch report for June 2019 and are based on Experian Catalist data from 3 to 30 June 2019 (pump prices). 

True MPG: most efficient SUVs 2019

The official government MPG figures published in sales brochures can tempt you into buying a particular car, but those results are often misleading. Fortunately, What Car?'s True MPG tests reveal what sort of fuel economy you can expect in the real world.

To ensure accuracy and repeatability, we use strictly controlled laboratory conditions, but the tests are based on a real-world route that takes in town, rural and motorway driving.

The results reflect what's achievable if you’re driving gently and sticking to speed limits but aren’t resorting to any unrealistically slow acceleration or special 'hypermiling' techniques.

• Find out more about how we test for True MPG

Below we count down the 10 most efficient SUVs we've tested – plus we reveal the one that used the most fuel.

The 10 most fuel efficient SUVs

10. Suzuki Vitara 1.6

True MPG 47.7mpg

While the original Suzuki Vitara was a tiny, rugged 4x4, the latest version is more of a rival to city-friendly models, such as the Nissan Juke and Seat Arona. Unfortunately, this 1.6-litre petrol version has now been discontinued.

Read our full Suzuki Vitara review or see what discounts are available

9. Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv-D 150

True MPG 48.3mpg

The CX-5 is a five-seat large SUV with a spacious and comfortable interior, and this diesel version is both refined and economical. Most of the CX-5's rivals offer the option of seven seats, but if you don't need them then it should definitely be on your shortlist.

Read our full Mazda CX-5 review or see what discounts are available

8. Kia Niro Hybrid

True MPG 50.1mpg

It doesn't make as much sense as the fully electric e-Niro, but this hybrid model still topped 50mpg in our test, while its practical interior and seven-year warranty are further plus points.

Read our full Kia Niro review or see what discounts are available

Next: the top 10 continued >

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