Rising fuel prices are placing increasing pressure on UK motorists, with many cutting back on journeys and household spending to manage the growing cost of staying on the road.
New research from temporary car insurance experts Tempcover, based on a survey of 2,000 petrol and diesel drivers, found motorists are now spending an average of £18.20 more to fill up their vehicles than before the fuel price surge that began in March 2026. For diesel drivers, the additional cost rises to £23.10 per tank.
Drivers changing their travel habits
Almost half of motorists (44%) said they are driving less as a direct result of higher fuel costs.
The most common changes include:
- 62% reducing non-essential journeys
- 39% walking or cycling more often
- 33% reducing long-distance travel
- 33% combining multiple trips into one journey
- 26% using public transport more frequently
- 24% planning routes more carefully to reduce mileage
Household budgets feeling the impact
The survey found that 49% of drivers have reduced spending in at least one area of their household budget to continue covering fuel costs.
The most common cutbacks were:
- Eating out and takeaways (28%)
- Clothing and non-essential shopping (23%)
- Social activities and hobbies (21%)
- Holidays and travel (16%)
More concerningly, 13% said they had dipped into savings or investments to manage higher fuel costs, while 12% reported reducing grocery spending.
Monitoring fuel use more closely
Motorists are also becoming increasingly focused on how they buy and use fuel.
More than a quarter (28%) said they are monitoring fuel consumption more closely than before. One in five (20%) are delaying refuelling until absolutely necessary, while 19% are actively seeking cheaper forecourts.
The research also found:
- 17% are taking steps to improve fuel efficiency, such as checking tyre pressures and reducing vehicle load
- 17% are buying smaller amounts of fuel rather than filling the tank
- 14% are using fuel comparison apps to find lower prices
Rising costs driving EV interest
The survey suggests higher fuel prices may also be accelerating interest in alternative vehicle technologies.
Almost a quarter of drivers (24%) said they would be likely to switch to an electric vehicle if fuel prices remain high, while 28% said they would consider a hybrid vehicle as their next car.
Despite the financial pressures, only 9% said they would consider giving up car ownership altogether, while 44% said they would definitely not part with their vehicle.
The findings suggest that while motorists are adapting their behaviour to cope with rising costs, the car remains an essential part of everyday life for most households.
Claire Wills-Mckissick, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, said: “Rising fuel prices are putting real pressure on household budgets, leading many drivers to change everyday behaviour behind the wheel. We’re seeing a shift towards more conscious driving, combining journeys or cutting back where they can to help manage the cost of getting from A to B.
“In this climate, flexibility is key and drivers are increasingly looking for ways to make their money go further. This includes using comparison sites to track down the cheapest fuel prices nearby or more competitive rates.
“Other options such as temporary car insurance also enable motorists to adapt to these changing circumstances, whether that’s sharing the driving on long trips, borrowing a car when needed, or adding flexible cover for occasional use. It’s about making every mile, and every pound, count.”
