UK fuel prices rise once more, with petrol and diesel both becoming more expensive for motorists across the country.

According to the latest RAC figures, average petrol prices reached 158.03p per litre, while diesel climbed to 191.11p per litre. That means the cost of running a vehicle continues to increase for households, businesses and professional driver and rider trainers who rely on their vehicles every day.

Impact on instructors and training businesses

For ADIs, PDIs and fleet trainers, the impact is immediate. Higher fuel costs can affect lesson pricing, route planning, operating margins and overall business resilience, particularly for those covering larger rural areas or working long hours on the road.

For trainers already operating electric vehicles, the picture is different. While wider business costs still matter, EV users are not currently seeing the same sharp rise in day to day energy costs as petrol and diesel drivers. Recent growth in electric vehicle registrations also points to a continuing shift in the market.

The RAC said a full tank of petrol now costs £86.92, which is £13.86 more than at the start of the recent conflict. Diesel drivers are seeing an even sharper increase, with a full tank now averaging £105.11, up £26.80.

Outlook for fuel prices

While global tensions have influenced wholesale oil markets, that remains a secondary issue for most trainers compared with the practical reality of rising forecourt prices in the UK. Since late February, oil prices have risen significantly, feeding through into the cost of petrol and diesel.

There is some cautious optimism that prices could begin to stabilise, or ease slightly, if wholesale costs continue to soften. The AA has suggested that any reduction at the pump may take 10 to 14 days to appear, provided current conditions do not worsen.

For now, instructors and trainers are likely to be more focused on managing day to day costs than on the wider factors behind them. With fuel remaining a major overhead for many training businesses, this latest rise is another reminder of how quickly external pressures can impact the profession.