How to read UK pump prices: pence per litre, the 9/10 and price boards
UK pumps show pence per litre with a tenth of a penny, such as 172.9p. What that means and how to compare prices on roadside boards.
UK pump prices are shown in pence per litre, usually to one decimal place (for example 172.9p). On roadside boards the last digit is often a small superscript 9: 1729 means 172.9p, which is a fraction under 173p.
Comparing
On this site prices are shown in pounds: £1.729 equals 172.9p. A difference of £0.05 is 5p.
Check the fuel grade
Boards show unleaded (E10), super unleaded and diesel. Our “Unleaded E10” price is the standard petrol.
The big number and the small one
UK fuel prices are quoted in pence per litre to one decimal place, and by convention many stations end in .9, such as 169.9p. The price is a legal maximum for that litre; the pump meter then calculates the exact charge for the volume delivered. A price of 169.9p for 40 litres is £67.96.
Fuel labels
- E10 – standard unleaded petrol (see E10 vs E5).
- E5 – super unleaded, usually 97+ octane.
- B7 – standard diesel (see what is B7).
- Premium diesel – diesel with extra additives.
Two prices on one sign
Some stations show a price for card payment and a lower or higher one for cash or loyalty members. The Fuel Finder data we use contains the standard pump price. If you use a discount scheme, subtract the discount yourself.
Check before you pay
Make sure you pick the right pump and fuel grade, and that the price on the pump matches the board. A mistake with fuel type is expensive to fix (see running out for related advice).
Frequently asked questions
What does the small 9 on a price board mean?
It is 0.9 of a penny; 172⁹ is 172.9p.
Why do prices end in .9?
It is a retail convention that makes the price look slightly lower. The actual charge is calculated from the litres delivered.