Consumer Council: Petrol prices in Northern Ireland fall to five-year low

Petrol prices in Northern Ireland have dropped to their lowest level in almost five years, providing welcome relief for motorists as the average cost of fuel at forecourt pumps continues to fall, according to the Consumer Council.

Following a period of relative stability over the past 12 months, the average price of petrol has now fallen to 124.2 pence per litre, the lowest level recorded since May 2021. Diesel prices, meanwhile, remain unchanged at an average of 131.9 pence per litre.

Fuel costs ease after record highs

The current prices represent a significant fall from the record highs seen in June 2022, when fuel costs surged in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. At that time, the average price of unleaded petrol peaked at 189.9 pence per litre, while diesel reached 197.5 pence per litre.

The Consumer Council has highlighted that fuel prices can vary widely between retailers across Northern Ireland, reflecting differences in supply and purchasing arrangements.

Karen Smyth, Director of Infrastructure and Sustainability at the Consumer Council, said:

“The price of petrol and diesel is made up of several factors which may vary from one retailer to another. We have always seen a variation in pump prices across Northern Ireland. Price differences often reflect when fuel was purchased by retailers and the volume bought at a given price.”

Weekly fuel price tracking across Northern Ireland

The Consumer Council tracks forecourt fuel prices across Northern Ireland on a weekly basis, publishing updated figures on its website every Thursday. This data underpins its efforts to improve transparency for consumers and help drivers make informed choices when refuelling.

A key tool supporting motorists is the free online Fuel Price Checker, which allows consumers to compare the highest, lowest and average prices of petrol and diesel in their local area.

The service is designed to help households and commuters manage fuel costs by identifying better-value forecourts, particularly important as fuel remains a significant expense for many families and businesses.

UK Fuel Finder Scheme launches

Alongside the Consumer Council’s work, the UK Government launched the Fuel Finder Scheme on 2 February, introducing new transparency requirements for forecourts across the UK.

Under the scheme, fuel retailers must submit their pricing information and notify authorities within 30 minutes of any price change at the pump.

Michelle Kelly, Head of Transport Policy at the Consumer Council, welcomed the initiative, saying:

“We welcome this open data scheme which is a significant extension of the type of transparency the Consumer Council has sought to create for Northern Ireland consumers through our Fuel Price Checker.”

How consumers can check local fuel prices

Motorists are encouraged to continue using the Consumer Council’s online Fuel Price Checker to stay informed about petrol and diesel prices in their area and ensure they are getting the best possible value when filling up.