Drivers told to avoid petrol stations around this time of the day over price hike fears

Motorists should avoid using petrol stations in the evening due to drivers being at risk of wasting fuel and paying more, according to analysis from the AA. Luke Bosdet, fuel spokesperson at the AA, stressed motorists are likely to burn through fuel sitting in queues waiting for fuel pumps to become available if they top-up at peak rush hour.

Motorists are likely to just cruise into petrol stations if they visit during off-peak hours, saving valuable fuel as the engine is ticking over. Meanwhile, the experts warn that road users could be subjected to “price changes in the evening” with new deliveries likely to alter prices. A new batch of petrol or diesel could be priced at a different rate, meaning road users will pay more than they did earlier in the day.

The AA made the admission when asked if it's better to avoid certain busier times of the day, including evening rush hour.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, Luke said: “The reason why you might avoid forecourts at those times is that, being busy, it may take longer to get to a pump. During the wait, you will likely be using fuel, albeit the loss will be minimal and less than making an extra trip specifically to refuel.

“I have been asked recently about price changes in the evening. It may well be that some forecourts get their deliveries in the evening when they are less busy. If the fuel is dearer than what is currently in stock, prices may be increased shortly after to reflect that.”

Rebecca Bebbington, personal finance specialist at NetVoucherCodes, has also warned that prices can change throughout the day, with road users at risk of being caught out.

RAC Fuel Watch shows pump prices are on the up with Unleaded petrol now at an average price of 135.03p per litre, up on the 132.08p per litre recorded in June.

She has previously said: “Petrol prices can fluctuate throughout the day, with prices typically lower during off-peak hours. Try to fill up your tank early in the morning or late at night to take advantage of potentially lower prices. Avoid peak times such as midday and after 5pm when the majority of the country finishes work.”