Each month, we take a quick look at UK fuel prices and what they mean for drivers. Since our last update on 29th July 2026, fuel prices have risen again, making every trip to the pumps that little bit more expensive for families across the UK.

Meanwhile, for drivers who can charge an electric vehicle at home, particularly overnight on an EV-friendly electricity tariff, the cost per mile can be significantly lower.

That gap matters. Across the daily commute, school runs, shopping trips and weekends away, switching from petrol or diesel to an EV and charging at home could potentially save your family thousands of pounds over the life of the vehicle.

So, with fuel prices on the rise again, let’s take a quick look at what’s changed, and how the cost of filling up compares with plugging in.

How much have fuel prices risen?

Over the past month, petrol and diesel prices per litre have risen, climbing to similar prices seen earlier in the year.

The table below highlights just how much prices at UK petrol and diesel pumps have increased.

Could an EV cut your fuel costs?

With petrol and diesel prices becoming increasingly volatile, the cost of charging an electric vehicle at home is looking even more attractive.

For drivers who can charge at home, particularly overnight on a dedicated EV tariff, running costs are already significantly lower than for an equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle. And from October, those savings are set to increase further following the government’s removal of VAT on domestic electricity costs.

How does charging an EV compare to filling up with fuel?

Cost Comparison – August 2026

Real-world examples: How much are Lease Electric customers saving by going electric?

For many of our customers, saving money is one of the biggest reasons for making the switch to an EV.

Replacing an existing petrol or diesel lease with an electric vehicle can give drivers access to a range of potential savings, including government incentives such as the Electric Car Grant, more favourable Benefit-in-Kind rates, lower maintenance costs and, in many cases, significantly lower fuel costs.

But what can those savings look like in the real world? Here are some examples of how much Lease Electric customers are saving by making the switch to electric.

Switching from a Volkswagen Golf to a Volkswagen ID.3

Compare your savings

Switching from a Nissan Qashqai (Diesel) to a Volkswagen ID.Buzz

Compare your savings

Switching from a Land Rover Defender to a BMW IX

Compare your savings

Ready to switch to an EV?

Lease Electric - EV Leasing Deals.

The figures have been sourced from RAC Fuel Watch and RAC Charge Watch. All information was correct on date of publication - 10.08.2026, pricing of fuel, public charging and home charging tariffs are subject to change.