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Diesel breaks 200p-a-litre barrier as fuel bills rise by £32 for a full tank
RAC says the average diesel price has reached 200.01p a litre, increasing pressure on households and high-mileage businesses as petrol prices also rise.
The average UK diesel price has climbed to a record 200.01p a litre, according to RAC figures cited by the motoring organisation. A 55-litre tank now costs £110.01, up £31.70 from 28 February, the date it identifies as the start of the US/Iran conflict.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said the price had passed a threshold “that no-one wanted to cross” and was “showing no signs of slowing”. The previous record was 199.09p a litre in June 2022.
Williams said the rise would be challenging for households and businesses that drive extensively, including commuters, haulage and delivery firms, companies with large fleets and sole traders. For an average diesel car returning 45 miles per gallon, he put the fuel cost at about 20p per mile. A driver covering 10,000 miles annually would spend about £2,020 on fuel, based on that estimate.
The RAC attributed the increase to the conflict in the Middle East and the lack of a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil and gas shipping. Williams also warned that US threats to ban diesel exports could push prices higher. The figures and comments provided do not specify the timing or likelihood of such a ban.
Petrol has also become more expensive. The average price of unleaded has reached 174.71p a litre, around 42p higher than at the start of the conflict, according to Williams. A 55-litre tank costs £96.09, £23.03 more than at the start of the period.
Williams said RAC Fuel Watch data suggested petrol prices were higher than recent retailing trends would imply. He said the data pointed to an expected average of about 170p a litre, and suggested some retailers might be keeping diesel prices lower by balancing prices across the two fuels.
The fuel increases come as households also face higher electricity and gas bills. Williams said families would be tightening their budgets, while businesses might have to pass additional fuel costs on to customers. He called on the Government to consider further fuel duty reductions or a VAT cut in October’s Budget.
