Van drivers across the UK are facing soaring annual fuel bills, with recent data revealing significant increases in both mileage and fuel costs. According to MoneySuperMarket, the typical diesel van driver now spends around £1,750 annually on fuel, reflecting rising pump prices and longer distances travelled.
The UK’s 4.5 million van drivers have seen their average yearly mileage climb sharply in recent years. Data from MoneySuperMarket indicates that van drivers are expected to cover an average of 8,018 miles in 2025, a 15% increase from 6,964 miles in 2022. This increase adds more strain to budgets already stretched by inflated fuel prices, which have surged to as high as £1.91 per litre amid geopolitical tensions such as the ongoing conflict in Iran, as well as broader economic challenges.
MoneySuperMarket’s analysis factors in average mileage, current fuel prices, and a typical diesel van’s fuel efficiency at 40 miles per gallon to estimate the £1,750 annual fuel expense. These calculations are based on real-time fuel cost data collected via the MoneySuperMarket fuel finder tool.
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Alicia Hempsted, Van Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket, commented on the situation: “Van drivers are currently managing the twin pressures of rising fuel prices and increased mileage, both of which drive up running costs significantly. For many tradespeople and small businesses, these elevated expenses pose a real threat to profitability, making cost management more critical than ever.”
Hempsted also highlighted practical steps van drivers can take to mitigate costs: “Using tools like fuel cost calculators can provide valuable insight into how fuel price fluctuations impact overall spending. Additionally, comparing prices at local petrol stations before filling up can lead to meaningful savings over time.”
As fuel costs remain high, being proactive about managing driving routes and fuel purchases can help van drivers soften the financial blow of these rising expenses.