The impending demise of diesel fuel at petrol stations is a bold prediction that has the industry and drivers alike talking. But is it a realistic forecast or a controversial move? Petrol stations in London are gearing up for a significant shift, with some planning to halt diesel sales by 2030, and the rest of the UK following suit by 2035, according to a report by New AutoMotive, an EV think tank.
This move is expected to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) as diesel vehicles and fuel sales decline across the nation. The report forecasts a dramatic drop in diesel car numbers, from 15.5 million in June 2025 to a mere 250,000 in 10 years. And London is set to lead the way, becoming the UK's first diesel-free city.
The introduction of the ultra-low emission zone in 2023 has already made driving diesel cars in the capital costly, with a daily fee of £12.50 for vehicles registered before September 2015. But here's where it gets controversial—is this a necessary push towards a greener future or a forced transition?
The report suggests that many petrol stations will stop stocking diesel even before 2030, as diesel sales are directly linked to the number of diesel cars on the road. And with the government's plan to ban new petrol and diesel car sales from 2030, the future of diesel looks uncertain. However, the use of existing diesel vehicles is not under threat, at least for now.
The market trends support this shift. In 2023, diesel sales were 22% lower than their peak, and only 5.1% of new cars bought last year were diesels, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. In contrast, petrol and pure battery electric cars claimed market shares of 46.4% and 23.4%, respectively.
And this is the part most people miss—the role of petrol stations in facilitating this transition. Some stations are already offering high-powered EV charging, providing smoother and cleaner journeys. The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) revealed that only 57% of its members see fuel as a primary revenue source in the next decade, indicating a shift in focus.
As diesel availability decreases, drivers may find it more convenient to switch to EVs, avoiding the hassle of finding diesel fuel. However, the PRA asserts that its members have no set plans to stop selling diesel, but they are closely monitoring customer preferences and adapting their services accordingly.
So, will the death of diesel fuel at petrol stations be a smooth transition or a bumpy ride? The answer may lie in the hands of drivers and their willingness to embrace the electric revolution. What do you think? Is this a welcome change or a controversial move?
