UK unleaded petrol duty rate
UK unleaded petrol duty rate stood at 52.95 Pence per litre on Sep 21, 2026, according to GOV.UK official statistics. It is one of the indicators in the Road fuel prices table (Value · Daily), with a complete series running from Jun 9, 2003 to Sep 21, 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Road fuel prices table
| Indicator | 21-09-2026 | 14-09-2026 | 07-09-2026 | 31-08-2026 | 24-08-2026 | 17-08-2026 | 10-08-2026 | 03-08-2026 | 27-07-2026 | 20-07-2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duty and VAT | |||||||||||
| Unleaded petrol, duty rate | 52.95 | 52.95 | 52.95 | 52.95 | 52.95 | 52.95 | 52.95 | 52.95 | 52.95 | 52.95 | |
| Diesel, duty rate | 52.95 | 52.95 | 52.95 | 52.95 | 52.95 | 52.95 | 52.95 | 52.95 | 52.95 | 52.95 |
Understanding UK unleaded petrol duty rate
Statutory excise duty applied specifically to standard unleaded motor spirit across the United Kingdom is detailed within this record. This series isolates the fixed governmental levy charged per physical volume of fuel sold, operating independently of wholesale commodity fluctuations, retailer margins, and broader sales taxes. Unlike percentage-based levies, this specific charge represents a flat monetary amount determined legislatively through fiscal policy announcements rather than automatic market adjustments. The geographic scope encompasses the entire nation without regional differentiation.
Evaluation of this series requires close attention to legislative calendars and government budget statements, as alterations occur through deliberate policy interventions rather than continuous economic feedback loops. Because the rate remains constant between official announcements, period-on-period comparisons will show extended flat plateaus punctuated by sudden step changes. Analysts studying overall motoring costs must distinguish these fixed excise movements from the volatile market-driven components of the total pump price.
Frequently asked questions
- How is unleaded petrol duty applied to the final retail price?
- It is levied as a flat monetary charge per litre, which is then added to the base product cost before value added tax is calculated.
- Does this duty rate change automatically with inflation?
- No, alterations occur strictly through deliberate government policy announcements and legislative enactments.
- Is this excise rate uniform across the entire United Kingdom?
- Yes, the statutory duty applies equally to all regions within the national boundary.