The countdown to a significant shift in fuel sales has begun—by 2030, certain petrol stations in London are expected to cease selling diesel fuel altogether. This anticipated change comes as demand for diesel continues to decline, according to an insightful report from the electric vehicle (EV) think tank, New AutoMotive.
The research suggests that many of the approximately 8,400 filling stations scattered across the UK could potentially stop offering diesel by the year 2035. This transition is likely to further accelerate the movement towards electric vehicles among motorists eager to adapt to changing circumstances.
Across the nation, the number of diesel vehicles and the consumption of diesel fuel are consistently on the decline. The report forecasts a staggering drop in diesel cars on the roads, projecting that only around 250,000 will remain by 2035, a sharp decrease from a notable 15.5 million recorded at the end of June 2025. Remarkably, London is poised to be the first major city in the UK free of diesel cars.
A contributing factor to this trend is the expansion of the ultra-low emission zone introduced in London in 2023, which imposes a daily fee of £12.50 on diesel cars registered before September 2015 for driving within the capital. According to the report, "It is likely that some, and perhaps many, filling stations in London will stop stocking diesel before the decade concludes." Furthermore, it states, "Nationwide, it is clear that diesel fuel sales are declining, driven by the reduction in car numbers. While accurately predicting the timeline for when most filling stations will discontinue diesel is challenging, it's evident that many could do so throughout the 2030s."
Interestingly, some filling stations have already begun to diversify their offerings by providing EV charging options. The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) noted that only 57% of its members believe that traditional fuel will remain a primary revenue source in ten years. New AutoMotive highlighted that diesel sales experienced steady growth from 2005 to 2017 but have been on a downward trajectory since then, with figures in 2023 showing a 22% decrease compared to the peak.
In a bid to encourage a greener future, the Government has announced plans to prohibit the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles starting in 2030; however, there are currently no regulations in place to ban the use of existing diesel vehicles. Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reveals that merely 5.1% of new car purchases last year were for diesel models, while petrol and fully electric battery vehicles held market shares of 46.4% and 23.4%, respectively.
Ben Nelmes, the Chief Executive of New Automotive, explained that as fewer individuals choose to drive diesel vehicles, filling stations will naturally phase out diesel offerings, noting, "Diesel does not keep well. If fuel remains in tanks without regular turnover, it degrades. As diesel availability diminishes, many drivers will realize that opting for electric is the smarter choice."
Delvin Lane, CEO of chargepoint supplier InstaVolt, pointed out that some stations have already started to provide high-powered EV charging services, making journeys smoother, cleaner, and more convenient for drivers. He emphasized, "For drivers, this isn’t about being pressured into going electric. It’s a logical decision, driven by advancements in technology."
Despite these shifts, a spokesperson from the PRA mentioned that their members currently have "no definitive plans to stop selling diesel." They are continually monitoring changes in customer preferences and adapting their services accordingly, which includes investments in expanded retail spaces, EV charging infrastructure, and premium car care services.
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, remarked on the irony that concerns regarding the scarcity of public EV charging points may soon flip as diesel drivers struggle to find stations that still offer diesel fuel. He noted, "There will undoubtedly come a point when the number of diesel vehicles on the road declines to such an extent that keeping diesel available at every station becomes unfeasible. Yet, it seems rather premature to declare the demise of diesel today, particularly when a significant portion of the vans and trucks essential for our economy still rely on diesel fuel."
But here's where it gets controversial: as we look towards a future dominated by electric vehicles, what will happen to the millions of existing diesel cars? Will this rapid transition leave diesel drivers stranded, or is it a necessary step towards a cleaner environment? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
