Asger Risom
Filling up at the wrong time could cost drivers
A routine stop on the way home could be quietly draining drivers’ wallets. Motoring experts say timing matters more than many motorists realise, with one common habit singled out as a mistake to avoid.
Rush-hour risk
Petrol and diesel drivers across the UK have been urged to rethink when they refuel. According to motoring specialists, stopping at certain times of day can mean longer waits and higher costs.
Experts say congestion on the roads often spills over into petrol stations, turning a quick stop into a frustrating delay for commuters.
Expert warning
Gordon Wallis, a motoring expert from Your NRG, warned drivers to avoid filling up at peak times. He said motorists should “never” refuel during the busiest parts of the day.
“It’s a good idea to fill up your gas tank during late evenings or early mornings because fewer people buy fuel, so the prices are lower,” he said.
“Drivers should try to avoid filling up during midday or after 5pm when most people are done with work, as queues can quickly form.”
Why timing matters
Wallis explained that busier periods can coincide with higher prices, while off-peak hours may offer better value. Fuel costs can fluctuate throughout the day due to wholesale prices, local competition and wider oil market movements.
By avoiding rush hour, drivers may not only save time but could also pay slightly less per litre, he said.
Latest fuel prices
Data from RAC Fuel Watch shows petrol and diesel prices have edged down at the start of 2026. Unleaded petrol is currently averaging 135.28p per litre, down from 137p last month.
Diesel prices have also fallen, with motorists now paying around 144.18p per litre compared with 146p in December, according to the RAC.
Another view
Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis has previously suggested that filling up later in the evening could offer a marginal benefit. He said cooler temperatures may mean drivers get a fraction more fuel.
“Talk of filling up at night getting you more is a slight urban myth, as the difference is miniscule – pennies at best,” he said.
“Fuel pumps are calibrated by volume, so fill up at night when it’s colder and you get a tiny, tiny bit extra.”
What drivers can do
Experts agree the savings may be small, but avoiding the busiest times could still make refuelling quicker and less stressful. For drivers looking to cut costs, timing may be a simple place to start.
Sources: Your NRG, RAC Fuel Watch, Money Saving Expert
