Diesel drivers face an additional £504 in annual fuel costs compared with February with rising prices at the pumps are driving UK inflation higher.
New figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal that the average diesel prices rose by 10.7p per litre between August and September 2026, with motor fuel costs making the biggest upward contribution to rising UK inflation.
But the financial impact on drivers stretches much further.
Used car retailer Motorpoint have calculated that a typical diesel driver could now spend £1,771.25 a year on fuel, compared with £1,266.97 at the end of February.
That’s an increase of £504.28, or almost 40%, if diesel prices remain at their current level.
With filling up becoming significantly more expensive, drivers may now be questioning whether keeping their diesel car still makes financial sense.
But Tim Rodie, car expert at Motorpoint, says higher fuel prices alone aren’t necessarily a reason to switch. Instead, he shares four signs it might be time to reconsider your diesel.
Four signs it could be time to sell your diesel
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If your annual mileage has dropped
Diesel tends to make more sense for drivers covering a higher mileage, particularly on longer journeys.
Tim said: “As a rough guide, if you’re still covering around 12,000 miles a year or more, especially on motorways or longer journeys, diesel can still make financial sense because you’re making greater use of its fuel-efficiency advantage.
“But if you bought your diesel when you were commuting long distances and your mileage has since fallen significantly, the calculation may have changed.
“Check how many miles you actually covered over the last 12 months. If that figure is much lower than when you bought the car, it is worth comparing your options.”
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Whether most of your journeys are now short and local
The type of journeys you make matters as much as your total mileage.
Tim said: “If most of your driving is now made up of short, local journeys, you are getting less of the benefit diesel offers over longer distances.
“Regular short journeys can also be less suitable for diesel cars fitted with a diesel particulate filter, as these systems need opportunities to reach the temperatures required to clear built-up soot.
“If your driving has shifted from longer journeys to mostly local trips, that is a good reason to consider whether petrol, hybrid or electric could now suit you better.”
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If you still need diesel’s main advantages
Diesel can still work particularly well for drivers who regularly tow, travel long distances or value a longer range between stops.
Tim said: “If you regularly tow a heavy trailer or horse box, or cover long motorway journeys, there can still be a strong reason to keep a diesel.
“But if those benefits no longer matter to you, you could now be paying more for advantages you rarely use.
“Think about what you genuinely need from your car today. If towing, long-distance efficiency and range are no longer priorities, it is worth looking at what else is available.”
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Is your current car worth enough to make switching viable?
The final check is whether changing cars actually leaves you better off.
Tim added: “Before making any decision, find out what your current car is worth and work out roughly what you spend on fuel, servicing and repairs over a year.
“Then compare that with the cost and likely running costs of the car you would switch to.
“If your driving habits have changed, your running costs are rising, and your current diesel still holds enough value to make switching affordable, that is when selling can start to make much more financial sense.”
