The RAC reports that average UK diesel prices have reached 200.01p per litre — above £2 for the first time — while petrol averages 174.71p. Global supply pressures from conflict in the Middle East, attacks on Russian refineries and Chinese export limits have tightened diesel availability. The G7 has agreed to release 100 million barrels to stabilise markets. The rise will hit commuters, haulage firms, farmers and small businesses through higher operating and delivery costs.
UK Diesel Tops £2 a Litre for First Time — RAC Warns of Rising Costs for Motorists and Businesses
Farmer Mark Means says higher diesel prices are pushing up his costs dramatically [BBC]
The average price of diesel in the UK has risen above £2 a litre for the first time, the RAC motoring group has reported. Diesel now stands at an average of 200.01p per litre, while petrol has climbed to 174.71p per litre.
What’s Driving Prices Higher?
The RAC said these price rises are "showing no signs of slowing," adding fresh pressure on households and businesses that depend on road transport. Global supply disruptions over recent months have pushed up wholesale oil and refined-product costs, which have filtered through to pump prices in the UK.
Key international factors cited include tensions and conflict in the Middle East involving Iran that have affected production and shipping of crude and refined fuels, Ukrainian attacks on Russian refining facilities that have tightened global diesel availability, and restrictions from China on exports of refined fuels.
International Response
In response to supply worries, G7 nations agreed at an urgent meeting to release 100 million barrels of oil to help calm markets and head off further price increases. The group also agreed not to impose export restrictions on one another following threats by the US to limit exports of diesel — a move that could have eased US retail prices but would likely have driven up global costs.
Impact At Home
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said: "£2 is a price threshold no one wanted to cross. This will be very challenging for households and companies that drive a lot of miles, from commuters, haulage and delivery firms, businesses with large fleets all the way through to sole traders."
Rising fuel costs are already squeezing margins across sectors. Norfolk farmer Mark Means, who has worked the land for more than 50 years, said he had spent £50,000 on extra diesel storage to secure supply for planting and harvests, but rising prices are eating into profits. Driving instructor Steven Tompkins of Leicester says rising petrol and diesel prices are forcing him to raise lesson fees, affecting students and part-time workers on tight budgets.
Practical Numbers
The RAC estimates that filling an average family diesel car now costs roughly £110 — about £32 more than at the start of the recent Middle East tensions. Filling a typical petrol car has risen to around £96.09, an increase of about £23.03 since February.
Supply And Imports
More than half of the diesel used in the UK is imported. Less than a third of those imports come from the United States, representing approximately 17% of the UK's total diesel supply. UK ministers have sought to reassure the public that the nation's fuel supply is diverse and resilient and that there is no immediate cause for panic over shortages.
As international markets remain volatile, drivers and businesses are likely to feel the impact at the pump and in operating costs for the foreseeable months ahead.
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