The energy market is gradually shifting away from diesel, accelerating as policy, changing consumer preferences, and faster EV charging rollout reshape forecourt business models.

Industry voices from the Petrol Retailers Association note there are no firm plans to drop diesel yet, but acknowledge evolving consumer demand and growing investment in EV charging and enhanced forecourt services.

The government has signaled a ban on new petrol and diesel car sales from 2030, while existing diesel vehicles can continue to be used.

Diesel sales and stock have fallen sharply, with 2023 diesel car sales down 22% from the 2017 peak and mid-2025 diesel car stock around 15.5 million, signaling a significant shift toward electrification.

New AutoMotive estimates show diesel cars at about 9.9 million in June last year, 21% below the peak, while electric car sales grow but not as quickly as some expected.

Diesel fuel demand has declined for years, with a small share of new car purchases being diesels in the recent year.

Industry voices stress that ending diesel use cleans up cities and reduces reliance on imported fuel, with a global trend away from diesel.

Charging infrastructure expansion and smoother, cleaner journeys are central to the transition, with forecourt operators planning to shift toward EV charging and related services.

Analyses project many of the roughly 8,400 UK filling stations will stop stocking diesel through the 2030s, with London potentially leading as diesel cars disappear first due to expanded low-emission zones.

London's Ultra Low Emission Zone helps drive diesel reductions, with central Scotland also seeing rapid declines where low-emission zones are expanding.

UK road use shows electrics at about 4% of cars last year, diesels around 32%, petrol 58%, with hybrids making up the remainder, underscoring uneven electrification across vehicle types.

RAC Foundation cautions against writing off diesel too soon, noting ongoing dependence in haulage and trades like white-van fleets.