According to the RAC, diesel prices in the UK have reached an all-time high of 199.18p per litre. This record-breaking figure surpasses the previous peak of 199.09p, which was recorded in June 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The motoring organization notes that the current surge is largely driven by the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has severely disrupted the production and transportation of wholesale oil over the past seven months.
Since the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran erupted at the end of February, the cost of diesel has climbed by 59p per litre, representing an increase of just under 40%. For the average family car, this means filling the tank now costs £110, which is £31 more than it did at the start of the conflict. Petrol prices are also rising, currently averaging 174.13p per litre, which is 41p higher than at the start of the conflict, though still below 2022 peak levels.
The RAC, which bases its data on average prices across supermarkets, motorway service stations, and independent retailers, described the current situation as "uncharted territory." Simon Williams, the RAC's head of policy, warned that these record costs will inevitably affect more than just drivers. "Record diesel prices spell pain not only at the pumps for drivers, but for everyone who buys goods or services that rely on diesel lorries and vans," Williams said. He added that these increased costs will undoubtedly be passed on to consumers and that pump prices are unlikely to decrease until there is a sustained lower oil price over several weeks.
Global oil markets remain under pressure, with Brent crude—the benchmark used for petrol and diesel—now hovering around $108 per barrel, up from approximately $73 before the US and Israel invaded Iran. International diesel supplies are further constrained by Russia's export ban, which followed Ukrainian attacks on its refineries. Because diesel is essential for the haulage and agricultural sectors, demand is difficult to reduce. The UK remains heavily reliant on imports; while the nation's four refineries produce sufficient petrol, they do not meet total diesel demand. According to the Department for Transport, there were 15.1 million diesel vehicles on UK roads at the end of June, down from 15.7 million a year earlier, with diesel cars accounting for 9.8 million of that total.
There were 9.8 million diesel cars, down year on year from 10.4 million.
