Diesel prices have passed £2 per litre at more than 200 forecourts across Scotland, with island and remote rural sites recording the steepest charges. Haulage firms say fuel costs are adding roughly £250–£400 per vehicle per week, prompting surcharges and calls for government support. The government has extended a temporary 5p fuel duty cut until 31 December as industry bodies press for a diesel rebate for commercial operators.
Diesel Tops £2 a Litre at More Than 200 Scottish Forecourts — Islands and Hauliers Squeezed
Conflict in the Ukraine and the Middle East have driven up prices on forecourts [Getty Images]
Analysis by BBC Scotland shows diesel prices have climbed above £2 per litre at more than 200 forecourts across Scotland, with the highest charges recorded at island and remote rural sites.
Dave Neil, who runs a haulage firm in Orkney, said fuel costs were "challenging" [BBC]
How Widespread Are High Prices?
BBC Scotland identified at least 226 sites — from the Borders to Shetland — where diesel is selling for over £2 a litre. Some island pumps recorded exceptionally high rates: 238.8p and 223p per litre in parts of the Hebrides, and 209.0p and 208.9p in the Northern Isles. In some island garages diesel costs roughly 50p a litre more than supermarket prices in Scotland's central belt.
Crofter Amy Henderson said life was hard enough for people already [BBC]
Impact On Hauliers And Businesses
Haulage firms say the surge is devastating. The Road Haulage Association (RHA) estimates fuel is costing operators about an extra £250 per vehicle each week, while some individual firms report rises closer to £400 weekly. Norman MacAskill, a South Uist haulier, recalled paying 32p a litre when he started 40 years ago; he now faces prices near £2.22. Many operators have introduced temporary surcharges to cover rising fuel bills.
Hauliers have called for an essential user rebate for coaches, lorries and vans [Getty Images]
Farmers, Crofters And Charities Feeling The Strain
Rising diesel directly increases production costs for farmers and crofters, the National Farmers' Union Scotland warns, especially during the busy autumn harvest. Crofter Amy Henderson described the impact as "deflating," saying she must factor fuel into decisions about travel and performance fees. Inverness charity New Start Highland said higher fuel bills reduce its capacity to collect and deliver donated furniture and to run enterprise services for local families in need.
Industry And Government Response
Trade bodies have urged action. The RHA wants the UK government to cancel planned fuel duty increases and introduce an "essential user" rebate for coaches, lorries and vans, noting similar schemes exist elsewhere in Europe. The RAC warned average UK diesel prices are close to a record high — the organisation put the UK average at about 198.32p per litre — making diesel among the most expensive in Europe. The AA said pump-price transparency tools help drivers locate cheaper fuel, and argued the temporary 5p-per-litre duty cut introduced in March 2022 should remain in place.
Government Position And Causes
The UK government has extended the temporary 5p fuel duty cut until 31 December and said diesel is about 11p per litre cheaper than it would have been under pre-existing plans. Ministers pointed to international instability — notably the Russia-Ukraine war and conflict in the Middle East — which has pushed up crude oil costs and, in turn, fuel and energy prices.
What This Means For Drivers
For a typical family car, a 55-litre diesel fill now costs around £109 at current average prices. For businesses that rely on road transport, charities and remote communities, the higher cost of diesel is a significant operational pressure that could persist while global supply and geopolitical risks remain elevated.
Key figures: 226+ sites above £2/l; peak readings up to 238.8p/l in the Hebrides; UK average diesel ~198.32p/l; estimated extra cost ~£250 per vehicle/week for haulage.
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