How much of a litre of fuel is tax?
Two taxes are in every pump price. Fuel duty is a fixed 52.95p a litre on both unleaded and diesel, and has been since 23 March 2022. VAT is 20%, charged on the whole price including the duty.
Because duty is fixed, the tax share changes as prices move. A 1p rise at the pump includes about 0.17p of extra VAT.
Today's typical price in Great Britain
| Unleaded | Diesel | |
|---|---|---|
| Pump price | 170.9p | 198.9p |
| Fuel duty | 52.95p | 52.95p |
| VAT | 28.48p | 33.15p |
| Total tax | 81.43p | 86.10p |
| Fuel, delivery and retailer | 89.47p | 112.80p |
| Tax on 40 litres | £32.57 | £34.44 |
VAT is the pump price × 20 ÷ 120. Live figures updated 3 November 2026 from GOV.UK Fuel Finder. "Typical" is the median of prices confirmed in the last 30 days. The rates are from GOV.UK excise duty rates, updated 29 October 2026, and government weekly fuel statistics.
Each station page shows the same sum for that station's own price. See also why prices differ between stations and how prices have moved.