London Petrol Stations May Stop Selling Diesel by 2030 as Demand Collapses

Diesel Is Disappearing from London's Roads

If you drive a diesel car in London, the landscape is changing fast. The number of diesel vehicles on the capital's roads has fallen by more than half over the last seven years, with some boroughs seeing even steeper drops — Camden has seen a 64.6% decrease in diesel vehicles alone.

Two filling stations in Hammersmith and Fulham have already been converted into electric vehicle charging hubs, with similar plans in motion elsewhere. Industry analysts now expect London to become the first area in the UK where diesel cars are effectively phased out.

The Numbers Tell the Story

The decline in diesel has been dramatic across the board:

• Diesel registrations have collapsed from nearly 1.3 million new cars in 2015 to just 123,104 in 2024
• Diesel's share of new car sales now sits at just 5.1%, and is projected to fall to 4.4% by the end of 2026
• There are 2.8 million fewer diesel vehicles on UK roads in 2024 compared to 2019
• Industry projections suggest just over 5 million diesel vehicles will remain on UK roads by 2030, falling to less than 250,000 by 2035

Why Has Diesel Fallen So Far?

Several factors have combined to push diesel out of favour with UK buyers:

The Dieselgate Legacy

The Volkswagen emissions scandal in 2015 fundamentally damaged public trust in diesel technology. Even though modern diesel engines are significantly cleaner, the reputational damage has proved lasting — many buyers simply don't want to take the risk.

ULEZ and Clean Air Zones

Transport for London's Ultra Low Emission Zone charges owners of older polluting diesel vehicles £12.50 per day to drive inside London. Similar clean air zones are operating or planned in Birmingham, Bristol, Bath, Bradford, and other cities. For many diesel owners, the daily charge made switching vehicles the only practical option.

Regulatory Uncertainty

Ongoing concerns about potential future restrictions on diesel — including the possibility of urban diesel bans — have made buyers reluctant to commit to a fuel type with an uncertain long-term future.

The Rise of EVs and Hybrids

Electric and hybrid vehicles have become increasingly affordable and practical, giving buyers a clear alternative. The combined market share of petrol and diesel for new cars has fallen to 38.2% in early 2025, down from 48.4% over the same period in 2024.

What Does This Mean for Diesel Drivers?

Diesel isn't disappearing tomorrow. Most stations will continue selling it for years to come, particularly larger forecourts, supermarket stations, and those on major routes. But the convenience of filling up at any local station may start to change — especially in London.

Practical Advice

• Don't panic — diesel will remain widely available at major stations, supermarkets, and motorway services for the foreseeable future
• Think ahead when buying your next car — the direction of travel for diesel is clear, and resale values are likely to continue declining
• Know your local options — use FuelNearby to check which stations near you stock diesel, particularly if you rely on smaller forecourts
• Factor in total cost — between fuel costs, potential ULEZ charges, lower resale values, and rising insurance premiums, the total cost of diesel ownership is increasing

The Government's Position

The Labour government has reinstated the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales, following the previous government's delay to 2035. A Zero Emission Vehicle mandate requires manufacturers to sell an increasing percentage of electric cars: 22% in 2024, ramping up to 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2035.

While existing diesel vehicles will remain legal to drive for decades to come, the infrastructure to support them — including the number of stations stocking diesel — will inevitably shrink as the fleet ages.

Outside London

The picture is different outside the capital. Diesel demand remains stronger in rural areas and for commercial vehicles, where electric alternatives are less practical. However, the long-term trend is the same — diesel's share of the UK vehicle fleet is in permanent decline.

For now, diesel remains widely available across the country. But if you're in London and wondering whether your next car should be a diesel, the data is unambiguous.

How to Find the Cheapest Diesel Near You

While diesel is still available, prices vary significantly between stations — often by 10p per litre or more in the same area. Use FuelNearby to compare live diesel prices at every station near you and find the cheapest option before filling up.