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Drivers urged to 'ditch the car' as fuel prices continue to bite, with 'average' price now over £2.00 per litre

16 Apr 2026

  • Average price of diesel across the UK has risen by 49.2p since the start of March
  • Is now £2.02 per litre at motorway service stations
  • Pressure on local household budgets

People across the East Midlands are being encouraged to consider switching to bus travel as research, by the RAC, has shown that the average price of diesel has spiked to more than £2.00 per litre, putting further pressure on household budgets.

Research by motoring group, the RAC, shows that, on average, the price of diesel, across the UK, has risen by as much as 49.2p per litre only since the beginning of March. It has now reached £1.92, with premium diesel costing £2.10 per litre. Meanwhile, at motorway service stations, the average price of diesel has ballooned to £2.02 per litre.

With the cost of petrol and diesel potentially continuing to rise rapidly, many households are looking for more predictable and affordable ways to travel. Bus fares offer a consistent and great value alternative, particularly for regular journeys. 

Stagecoach East Midlands says the current range of fares means bus travel is one of the most reliable and affordable options available, especially for commuters and families. 

Customers can also use the Stagecoach app and website to identify the best value tickets for their journey, helping to plan and manage travel costs more effectively and budget ahead with confidence. 

Dave Skepper, Commercial Director of Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “We know that local people are feeling the impact of rising fuel costs, and for many, the cost of driving is becoming increasingly difficult to manage. 

“Bus travel offers a simple, affordable alternative, with single fares capped at £3 and great value options for those travelling regularly, including group tickets. I would always encourage customers to compare the different options to make sure you buy the best ticket for you. 

“With consistent pricing and a range of ways to save, it’s never been easier for people to switch to bus and take control of their travel costs.” 

-ENDS-

 

Notes for Editors
RAC’s research is available at https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/fuel-watch/#what-are-the-latest-uk-petrol-prices-and-diesel-prices

Media enquiries: [email protected]

About Stagecoach
Founded in 1980, Stagecoach is the UK’s largest bus and coach operator, with a fleet of 8,230 vehicles connecting more than 100 major towns and cities across England, Scotland, and Wales.

With 25,340 people in our team, we’re deeply rooted in the communities we serve. We know how important it is to stay connected to the people and places that matter – and we’re proud to play our part in helping make everyday journey simpler and more reliable.

It’s all part of our promise: we’ve got you.

We work closely with partners to support smarter, and more inclusive transport – helping reduce congestion, cut emissions and boost local economies. More than 15% of our 8,230 strong fleet is now electric, and that number continues to grow as we invest in more sustainable travel.

As part of our sustainability strategy, we’ve committed to supporting local communities by donating up to 0.5% of profit before tax each year to charitable causes across the UK. Since April 2022 we have also committed to purchasing 100% renewable electricity for our operations