Diesel prices across the UK have surged by an average of 18p per litre since the Middle East conflict began, new figures reveal. The RAC reported the average price at British forecourts reached 160.3p per litre on Sunday, a significant jump from 142.4p recorded on 28 February, coinciding with the start of the US-Israeli campaign against Iran. This 13% increase means diesel is now at its most expensive level since November 2023.
Petrol prices have also climbed 7% over the same period, from 132.8p to 141.5p per litre, a level not witnessed since August 2024.
The escalating conflict has driven global oil prices – a key factor in wholesale fuel costs – above 100 dollars a barrel for the first time since 2022. This surge is attributed to Iran’s perceived control over oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Drivers with diesel cars are really feeling the heat.
“Prices have shot up 18p a litre in just two weeks, adding £10 to the cost of a full tank.
“The average cost of filling up a 55-litre family car with diesel is now £88, whereas for petrol it’s £78.
“The UK has fewer refineries than ever and those we do have are more geared towards petrol production than diesel, so we’re reliant on imports which has contributed to diesel prices rising faster.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves told petrol retailers last week they had a “shared obligation” to keep prices down for motorists.
The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) had threatened to pull out of the Downing Street meeting with Ms Reeves and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband after claiming the Government’s “inflammatory language” over rising fuel prices had led to abuse against forecourt workers.
At the Downing Street meeting, Mr Miliband warned executives from the forecourt operators and firms including Asda, BP, ExxonMobil and Shell that the Government would not tolerate “unfair practices” in the industry.
The Chancellor hosted industry chiefs in 11 Downing Street on March 13 in response to rising concern about the impact of the Middle East crisis on household finances.
