Fuel prices across the UK continued to fall in May, with both petrol and diesel dropping by 2p per litre, marking the third consecutive month of declines and bringing pump prices to their lowest levels in nearly four years, according to RAC Fuel Watch.

The average cost of petrol fell from 134p at the start of May to 132.3p by month-end, while diesel dropped from 140.5p to 138.4p.

These reductions meant that filling up a typical 55-litre petrol car cost £72.74, and a diesel equivalent £76.13 – saving drivers £1 compared with April and around £4 since late February.

Petrol prices hit their lowest since early July 2021, while diesel has dipped below 139p per litre for the first time since September 2021.

Drivers in Northern Ireland benefitted from the lowest regional prices, at 126.5p per litre – nearly 6p below the UK average – while diesel is 130.8p, almost 8p lower than the national figure.

At individual forecourts, prices were more competitive: Sainsbury’s Shorehead store in Southgate, Huddersfield, is selling petrol at 121.9p per litre, while Asda’s Park Royal forecourt in London offers 122.7p.

The lowest-priced diesel was at Sainsbury’s on Falls Road, Belfast, at 126.9p per litre.

Similar deals were offered by Asda at its Coleraine and Cookstown locations in Northern Ireland, and at Breck Road in Liverpool.

Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said: “May was another good month at the pumps for drivers as petrol and diesel fell by 2p a litre, making for three straight months of falling prices.

“While this takes us back to prices last seen almost four years ago, it’s worth remembering that prices are lower today because the 5p duty cut, first introduced in March 2022, is still being applied.

“If it wasn’t for the fuel duty freeze, prices could well be much higher.

“For those prepared to shop around or use apps like myRAC, there are some excellent bargains to be had which can save several vital pounds on a full tank.

“It’s also worth pointing out that those filling up at Sainsbury’s in Southgate, Huddersfield, at 121.9p are saving the best part of £6 compared to the UK average of 132p a litre for petrol.”

Williams added that with oil averaging $64 a barrel throughout May, the RAC believes petrol could be priced under 130p per litre and diesel under 134p, suggesting further reductions may still be possible.