Petrol prices rise again: Tesco and Sainsbury's fuel-saving offers explained

Drivers will be wincing when they head to forecourts as petrol prices have hit their highest level in three and a half years after a new spike in global oil prices.

The average price of unleaded petrol has risen to around 160p a litre, while diesel has increased to around 179p a litre, following a surge in oil prices linked to the conflict involving Iran, according to motoring group The RAC.

Drivers feeling the pain can now tap into fuel-saving offers from multiple supermarkets, with Tesco the latest to provide petrol price deals.

Here's the forecast for petrol prices and how you can reduce the cost of your next fill-up...

What's happening to petrol prices?

Petrol prices have risen sharply over the past few weeks as conflict in the Middle East has ramped up leading to an increase in oil prices.

The RAC says the latest jump has pushed the average price of unleaded petrol to around 160p a litre, which a high not seen since 2023. Diesel has also continued to rise, averaging around 179p per litre, with further increases possible if oil prices remain high.

The jump means filling a typical 55-litre family car with petrol now costs an eye-watering £88, while a diesel driver could pay close to £99 for a full tank.

The global price of crude oil affects the amount retailers pay for fuel, which is then reflected at petrol stations across the country.

Tesco shoppers can get 5% off fuel

Tesco has launched a new promotion offering 5% off the cost of diesel or unleaded petrol when you spend £60 or more in a single in-store transaction.

Customers who qualify will receive a coupon at the till that can be redeemed at more than 500 Tesco-branded petrol stations across the UK.

The promotion runs on qualifying in-store purchases made until 16 August, with fuel coupons valid until 23 August.

The discount is worth up to around 8p per litre, though the exact saving depends on pump prices when you fill up.

The maximum discount is £10 on a single fuel purchase.

To redeem the offer, drivers must present their printed coupon at the kiosk of a participating Tesco-branded forecourt.

You can't get the discount at Tesco Express stores selling Esso fuel, unmanned forecourts or through Pay at Pump.

Sainsbury's Nectar offers to save on petrol

Sainsbury's customers can also reduce motoring costs by using their Nectar loyalty points.

You can get 5p off a litre when swapping 300 points at Sainsbury's and selected Esso petrol stations.

It's worth making the swap when you are doing a bigger fill-up of the tank - the saving may not cover the cost of points on smaller fuel purchases.

It's also worth checking the Nectar app before filling up, as occasionally there are extra offers avail able for fuel.

How to make more savings on fuel

Finding the cheapest local forecourt is the best way of cutting costs at the pump.

The garage offering the lowest prices can change daily, but you can use a fuel price comparison app to find the best offer.

Try petrolprices.com or myRAC app - you'll just need to enter a postcode and distance that you're willing to travel.