Let me tell you about my mate Dave. Dave bought a diesel car because his brother-in-law said, “Diesel is cheaper, mate!” And it was cheaper—for about three months. Then, the government changed the tax, and diesel jumped up like a startled cat.
Petrol prices: Why are they going back up? - BBC News
Now Dave stands at the pump muttering, “I’ve been bamboozled,” while his car sounds like a depressed cement mixer. Meanwhile, my neighbour Susan with her petrol hatchback pays a bit more each time, but her car hums like a happy blender.
So which one actually costs more over a year? It’s not just about the price per litre. You have to think like a fuel-scapist.
The Mileage Conspiracy
Here’s the secret handshake: diesel cars generally go further on a full tank. They are the marathon runners. Petrol cars are the sprinters—they drink faster but run out sooner.
If you drive a million miles a year, diesel often ends up cheaper overall, even if the litre price is higher. You pay more per sip but you sip less often. It’s like buying a giant economy bag of chips versus a small premium bag.
But if you only drive to the shop and back, petrol is your lazy friend. The higher initial price per litre won’t sting you because you barely use any. It’s the difference between gorging on a buffet and nibbling on a single cracker.
