Average monthly motor fuel prices in Northern Ireland 2020-2024, by fuel type

Diesel is among the most expensive motor fuels in Northern Ireland. In March 2024, diesel prices were nine pence higher than average prices for unleaded 95 octane fuel (regular gasoline). The previous month, diesel prices were even higher than those for super unleaded fuel, usually the most expensive option.

UK conventional fuel car sales in decline

When looking at the fuel types of new cars registered in the UK, diesel has notably fallen out of favor. In 2018, nearly a third of all newly-registered passenger cars were powered by a diesel engine. By 2022, this figure had decreased to just five percent. Diesel's decline has largely come about due to greater popularity of alternative fuels, a shift in consumer preference that has also impacting petrol car sales. Today, battery electric and hybrid-electric vehicles account for roughly one third of car registrations. The plug-in electric vehicle fleet in Northern Ireland came stood at nearly 14,000 units as of 2022.

Supermarkets offer consistently lower fuel prices

When comparing prices across UK retailers, supermarkets were found to offer motor fuel at prices that were on average three pence per liter cheaper than the UK average.