Category: Fuel Price Analysis

Current Prices: Petrol 158.01p/L | Diesel 192.06p/L

UK fuel prices have continued to rise despite last week’s ceasefire announcement, with diesel now approaching the £2 per litre mark. Diesel climbed another 5.3p this week while petrol rose 3.4p – slower than recent weeks but still moving firmly upward.

A 50-litre tank of petrol now costs £79.01 – up £1.70 from last week. Diesel drivers are paying £96.03, an extra £2.65 in just seven days – and perilously close to the £100 barrier.

This Week’s Prices

• Petrol (ULSP): 158.01p per litre – up 3.4p this week
• Diesel (ULSD): 192.06p per litre – up 5.3p this week

While the rate of increase has slowed compared to the double-digit rises of recent weeks, prices are still climbing. The ceasefire has not yet translated into relief at the pumps.

Why Prices Are Still Rising

As we explained last week, fuel prices don’t respond immediately to falling oil costs. Retailers are still selling through stock purchased at peak prices, and it takes a sustained period of lower wholesale costs before meaningful reductions appear at the pumps.

The conditional nature of the ceasefire also means uncertainty remains. Until oil shipments move freely through the Strait of Hormuz and supply chains normalise, wholesale prices will remain elevated.

Seven Weeks of Crisis

Since the Middle East conflict began on February 28, prices have surged:

• Petrol: Up 26.30p per litre (from 131.71p) – a 20% increase
• Diesel: Up 50.60p per litre (from 141.46p) – a 36% increase

For a driver filling up weekly:

• Petrol: £13.15 more per tank – £684 extra per year
• Diesel: £25.30 more per tank – £1,316 extra per year

Year-on-Year: Historic Increases

The year-on-year comparison has reached unprecedented levels:

• Petrol: Now 23.2p MORE expensive than April 2025
• Diesel: Now 50.1p MORE expensive than April 2025

Diesel has now broken through the 50p year-on-year increase threshold – drivers are paying more than £25 extra per 50-litre tank compared to this time last year.

The Diesel Premium at Record Levels

The gap between petrol and diesel has stretched to 34.05p per litre. Diesel drivers are paying £17.03 more per 50-litre tank than petrol users.

The wholesale cost breakdown tells the story:

• Petrol base cost (pre-tax): 78.73p
• Diesel base cost (pre-tax): 107.10p
• Fuel duty: 52.95p (unchanged)
• VAT at 20%: 26.34p (petrol) / 32.01p (diesel)

Diesel’s wholesale cost remains above £1 per litre at 107.10p – up from 64.93p in mid-February, a staggering 65% increase in just eight weeks.

The Cost of Filling Up

Fuel Type	Price per Litre	50L Tank Cost	Change Since Feb 28	Annual Extra Cost
Petrol (ULSP)	158.01p	£79.01	+£13.15	+£684
Diesel (ULSD)	192.06p	£96.03	+£25.30	+£1,316

When Will Prices Start Falling?

As RAC head of policy Simon Williams explained last week: “It is a sustained lower oil price – over several weeks, not just a few days – that is required to bring wholesale fuel costs down meaningfully.”

The slowing rate of increase this week is a cautious positive sign – but prices are still going up, not down. Drivers should expect:

• Coming days: Prices may stabilise or continue rising slowly
• Coming weeks: If the ceasefire holds and oil remains lower, prices may begin to edge down
• Coming months: Sustained lower oil prices could see meaningful reductions

Some smaller independent forecourts buying on a ‘spot’ basis may pass on reductions sooner than larger chains.

What Drivers Should Do

Shop around more than ever – Price differences between stations have widened significantly. Check CheckFuelPrices before every fill-up – savings of £15-20 per tank are possible.

Watch for early price cuts – Independent forecourts may reduce prices before supermarkets and major brands. Regular price checking helps you spot the deals first.

Drive efficiently – The AA estimates diesel drivers can save up to £10 per tank by reducing speed by 10% and driving smoothly.

Cut non-essential journeys – At nearly £100 per diesel tank, every unnecessary trip is expensive.

Looking Ahead

The conditional ceasefire offers hope, but uncertainty remains. Much depends on:

• Whether the ceasefire holds beyond the initial two-week period
• How quickly oil shipments normalise through the Strait of Hormuz
• The longer-term impact on Gulf oil production
• How quickly retailers pass on any wholesale savings

We’ll continue tracking prices daily. As soon as meaningful reductions appear at the pumps, we’ll report it.

Find the Cheapest Fuel Near You

At these record prices, shopping around is essential. Use CheckFuelPrices to compare prices at stations near you. Our data comes directly from the government’s Fuel Finder Scheme, updated within 30 minutes of any price change.

Current Prices: Petrol 154.65p/L | Diesel 186.75p/L

UK fuel prices have hit new extremes, with diesel surging past 186p per litre and petrol breaking through 154p. Diesel recorded another double-digit weekly increase of 10.2p, while petrol jumped 5.9p – the highest weekly rises since the peak of the 2022 Ukraine crisis.

A 50-litre tank of petrol now costs £77.33 – up £2.95 from last week. Diesel drivers are paying a staggering £93.38, an extra £5.10 in just seven days.

This Week’s Prices

• Petrol (ULSP): 154.65p per litre – up 5.9p this week
• Diesel (ULSD): 186.75p per litre – up 10.2p this week

Diesel has now recorded double-digit weekly increases for five consecutive weeks – an unprecedented and sustained surge that shows no sign of slowing.

Six Weeks of Devastation

Since the Middle East conflict began on February 28, prices have exploded:

• Petrol: Up 22.94p per litre (from 131.71p) – a 17% increase
• Diesel: Up 45.29p per litre (from 141.46p) – a 32% increase

For a driver filling up weekly:

• Petrol: £11.47 more per tank – £596 extra per year
• Diesel: £22.65 more per tank – £1,178 extra per year

Diesel drivers are now paying nearly £1,200 more annually than they were just six weeks ago.

Year-on-Year: Historic Increases

The year-on-year comparison has reached staggering levels:

• Petrol: Now 19.4p MORE expensive than April 2025
• Diesel: Now 44.2p MORE expensive than April 2025

Diesel drivers are paying £22.10 more per 50-litre tank compared to this time last year. The 44.2p year-on-year increase is the largest differential seen since records began.

The Diesel Premium Reaches Record Levels

The gap between petrol and diesel has now stretched to 32.10p per litre – more than triple what it was before the crisis began. Diesel drivers are paying £16.05 more per 50-litre tank than petrol users.

The price breakdown reveals the scale of wholesale cost increases:

• Petrol base cost (pre-tax): 75.93p (up from 56.81p in mid-February)
• Diesel base cost (pre-tax): 102.67p (up from 64.93p in mid-February)
• Fuel duty: 52.95p (unchanged)
• VAT at 20%: 25.78p (petrol) / 31.12p (diesel)

Diesel’s wholesale cost has now surpassed £1 per litre for the first time – up a staggering 37.74p (58%) in just seven weeks. Petrol’s wholesale cost has risen 19.12p (34%) over the same period.

The Cost of Filling Up

Fuel Type	Price per Litre	50L Tank Cost	Change Since Feb 28	Annual Extra Cost
Petrol (ULSP)	154.65p	£77.33	+£11.47	+£596
Diesel (ULSD)	186.75p	£93.38	+£22.65	+£1,178

What’s Driving the Surge?

The Strait of Hormuz – through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil flows – remains severely disrupted as the Iran conflict continues into its sixth week. Oil prices have remained above $100 a barrel throughout the crisis, with sustained trading above $110 in recent weeks.

Diesel has been hit harder due to:

• Greater reliance on Middle Eastern refining capacity
• Higher global demand for diesel in freight and shipping
• Europe’s significant dependence on diesel imports
• Wholesale diesel costs now exceeding £1 per litre

Government Response

The Competition and Markets Authority continues its investigation into fuel retailer pricing practices. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has met with fuel companies amid accusations of “price gouging” and concerns about “rocket and feather” pricing.

Contingency plans for fuel rationing remain in place, though the government has not yet activated emergency powers under the Energy Act 1976. The National Emergency Plan for Fuel sets out priority access for emergency services, utilities, public transport, and commercial vehicles before private motorists.

How to Cope With Record Prices

At these extreme prices, every action matters:

Shop around aggressively – Price differences of up to 50p per litre mean potential savings of £25 per tank. Check CheckFuelPrices before every single fill-up.

Reduce speed by 10% – The AA estimates diesel drivers can save up to £10 per tank by adapting their driving style. Drive at 63mph instead of 70mph on motorways.

Anticipate the road ahead – Avoid harsh braking by looking ahead for traffic lights and roundabouts. Smooth deceleration saves significant fuel.

Check tyre pressures – Under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%.

Cut non-essential journeys – At nearly £94 per diesel tank, every unnecessary trip is expensive.

Check availability – Use our crowdsourced availability reports to find stations with fuel and avoid wasted trips.

Where Prices Could Go Next

With the conflict showing no signs of resolution, further increases remain possible. Analysts have warned that if oil reaches $130-140 per barrel, petrol could approach 170-180p and diesel could exceed 200p per litre.

Additionally, the 5p fuel duty cut is being reversed from August – adding a further 1p initially, rising to 5p by March 2027.

Find the Cheapest Fuel Near You

At these prices, shopping around is essential. Use CheckFuelPrices to compare prices at stations near you. Our data comes directly from the government’s Fuel Finder Scheme, updated within 30 minutes of any price change.

We’ll continue tracking prices daily. Check back next week for the latest update.

Current Prices: Petrol 148.78p/L | Diesel 176.52p/L

UK fuel prices have recorded another week of devastating increases, with diesel surging 9.6p per litre to approach the 180p mark. Petrol jumped 4.6p as the Middle East conflict continues into its fifth week with no resolution in sight.

A 50-litre tank of petrol now costs £74.39 – up £2.30 from last week. Diesel drivers are paying a staggering £88.26, an extra £4.80 in just seven days.

This Week’s Prices

• Petrol (ULSP): 148.78p per litre – up 4.6p this week
• Diesel (ULSD): 176.52p per litre – up 9.6p this week

Diesel has now risen by approximately 10p per litre for four consecutive weeks – an extraordinary and sustained surge that has pushed prices to levels not seen since the peak of the 2022 energy crisis.

Five Weeks of Relentless Rises

Since the Middle East conflict began on February 28, prices have exploded:

• Petrol: Up 17.07p per litre (from 131.71p) – a 13% increase
• Diesel: Up 35.06p per litre (from 141.46p) – a 25% increase

For a driver filling up weekly:

• Petrol: £8.54 more per tank – £444 extra per year
• Diesel: £17.53 more per tank – £911 extra per year

Year-on-Year: Unprecedented Increases

The year-on-year comparison tells a stark story:

• Petrol: Now 13.9p MORE expensive than March 2025
• Diesel: Now 34.3p MORE expensive than March 2025

Diesel drivers are paying £17.15 more per 50-litre tank compared to this time last year. Just two months ago, they were enjoying year-on-year savings. That has been completely obliterated.

The Diesel Premium Hits Extreme Levels

The gap between petrol and diesel has now stretched to 27.74p per litre – nearly triple what it was before the crisis began. Diesel drivers are paying £13.87 more per 50-litre tank than petrol users.

The price breakdown shows the dramatic shift in wholesale costs:

• Petrol base cost (pre-tax): 71.03p (up from 56.81p in mid-February)
• Diesel base cost (pre-tax): 94.15p (up from 64.93p in mid-February)
• Fuel duty: 52.95p (unchanged)
• VAT at 20%: 24.80p (petrol) / 29.42p (diesel)

Diesel’s wholesale cost has surged by a staggering 29.22p in just six weeks – a 45% increase. Petrol’s wholesale cost has risen 14.22p (25%) over the same period.

What’s Driving the Surge?

The Strait of Hormuz – through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil flows – remains severely disrupted. Oil prices have remained above $100 a barrel throughout the crisis, with spikes above $110 during the most intense periods of conflict.

Diesel has been hit harder than petrol due to:

• Greater reliance on Middle Eastern refining capacity
• Higher global demand for diesel in freight and shipping
• Europe’s dependence on diesel imports

Rationing Concerns Continue

The government has confirmed that contingency plans for fuel rationing remain in place. A Treasury minister this week refused to rule out activating emergency powers under the Energy Act 1976 if supply disruptions worsen.

The National Emergency Plan for Fuel sets out a priority hierarchy: emergency services first, followed by utilities, public transport, commercial vehicles, and finally private motorists.

For now, there is no shortage at UK forecourts – but prices continue their relentless climb.

CMA Investigation Ongoing

The Competition and Markets Authority continues to investigate whether fuel retailers are overcharging drivers. With some forecourts now charging over 200p per litre while others remain below 160p, price variations have never been wider.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has met with fuel companies this month amid accusations of “price gouging” and “rocket and feather” pricing.

What Drivers Must Do

At these crisis-level prices, every decision matters:

Shop around aggressively – Price differences of 40p+ per litre mean potential savings of £20 or more per tank. Check CheckFuelPrices before every single fill-up.

Don’t panic buy – There is currently no shortage. Panic buying creates queues and empty pumps that wouldn’t otherwise exist.

Drive as efficiently as possible – At 176p for diesel, smooth driving and proper tyre pressures could save you £25+ per tank.

Cut every non-essential journey – The AA has urged drivers to seriously reconsider whether each trip is truly necessary.

Check availability – Use our crowdsourced availability reports to find stations with fuel and avoid wasted trips.

Where Prices Could Go Next

With the conflict showing no signs of resolution, further increases remain possible:

• Oil at $120/barrel: Petrol could reach 160-170p per litre
• Oil at $140/barrel: Petrol could approach 190p per litre

And with the 5p fuel duty cut being reversed from August – adding a further 1p initially, rising to 5p by March 2027 – drivers face even more pain ahead.

The Cost of Filling Up

Fuel Type	Price per Litre	50L Tank Cost	Change Since Feb 28
Petrol (ULSP)	148.78p	£74.39	+£8.54
Diesel (ULSD)	176.52p	£88.26	+£17.53

Find the Cheapest Fuel Near You

At these prices, shopping around isn’t optional – it’s essential. Use CheckFuelPrices to compare prices at stations near you. Our data comes directly from the government’s Fuel Finder Scheme, updated within 30 minutes of any price change.

We’ll continue tracking prices daily. Check back next week for the latest update.

Prices: Petrol 144.16p/L | Diesel 166.88p/L

UK fuel prices have surged again this week, with diesel recording another devastating 8.1p per litre increase. Petrol rose 3.9p as the Middle East conflict continues to strangle global oil supplies. Both fuels are now at their highest levels since the 2022 energy crisis.

A 50-litre tank of petrol now costs £72.08 – up £1.95 from last week. Diesel drivers are paying £83.44, a brutal £4.05 more than seven days ago.

This Week’s Prices

• Petrol (ULSP): 144.16p per litre – up 3.9p this week
• Diesel (ULSD): 166.88p per litre – up 8.1p this week

Diesel has now risen by more than 8p per litre for three consecutive weeks – an unprecedented run of increases that has pushed prices to levels not seen since the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Four Weeks of Relentless Rises

Since the Middle East conflict began on February 28, prices have exploded:

• Petrol: Up 12.45p per litre (from 131.71p) – a 9.5% increase
• Diesel: Up 25.42p per litre (from 141.46p) – an 18% increase

For a driver filling up weekly:

• Petrol: £6.23 more per tank – £324 extra per year
• Diesel: £12.71 more per tank – £661 extra per year

Year-on-Year: A Stark Reversal

Just two months ago, drivers were enjoying year-on-year savings of nearly 8p on petrol. That has completely reversed:

• Petrol: Now 8.6p MORE expensive than March 2025
• Diesel: Now 23.8p MORE expensive than March 2025

Diesel drivers are paying £11.90 more per 50-litre tank compared to this time last year. The annual comparison has swung by nearly 30p in just four weeks.

The Diesel Premium Hits Extreme Levels

The gap between petrol and diesel has now stretched to 22.72p per litre – more than double what it was a month ago. Diesel drivers are paying £11.36 more per 50-litre tank than petrol users.

The price breakdown shows the dramatic shift in wholesale costs:

• Petrol base cost (pre-tax): 67.19p (up from 56.81p in mid-February)
• Diesel base cost (pre-tax): 86.11p (up from 64.93p in mid-February)
• Fuel duty: 52.95p (unchanged)
• VAT at 20%: 24.03p (petrol) / 27.81p (diesel)

Diesel’s wholesale cost has surged by 21.18p in just five weeks – a 33% increase that dwarfs petrol’s 10.38p rise.

Supply Concerns Intensify

Energy experts have warned the UK could face fuel rationing if disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz continue. The waterway – through which 20% of the world’s oil typically flows – remains largely closed.

Shipping analysts suggest oil flows through the strait might only recover to 8-10% of normal levels even with military escorts. If the situation persists, the government may need to activate emergency contingency powers.

CMA Investigation Continues

The Competition and Markets Authority continues to investigate whether fuel retailers are overcharging drivers. With prices at some forecourts approaching 200p per litre while others remain below 150p, the variation between stations has never been wider.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves accused retailers of “price gouging” earlier this month. The CMA will examine whether there is evidence of “rocket and feather pricing” – where prices rise quickly but fall slowly.

What Drivers Must Do Now

With prices at crisis levels, every decision matters:

Shop around relentlessly – Price differences of 30-50p per litre mean potential savings of £15-25 per tank. Check CheckFuelPrices before every single fill-up.

Don’t panic buy – There is currently no shortage at UK forecourts. Panic buying creates the very queues and empty pumps everyone fears.

Drive efficiently – Smooth acceleration, steady speeds, and proper tyre pressures can cut consumption by up to 30%. At these prices, that’s £20+ saved per tank.

Cut non-essential journeys – The AA has advised drivers to consider whether every trip is truly necessary while prices remain at these levels.

Check availability – Use our crowdsourced availability reports to find stations with fuel in stock and avoid wasted journeys.

Where Prices Could Go Next

With oil still above $100 a barrel and the conflict showing no signs of resolution, further increases are expected. Analysts have warned:

• Oil at $120/barrel: Petrol could reach 170p per litre
• Oil at $140/barrel: Petrol could approach 190p per litre

And with the 5p fuel duty cut being reversed from August – adding a further 1p initially, rising to 5p by March 2027 – drivers face a challenging year ahead.

Find the Cheapest Fuel Near You

At these prices, shopping around isn’t optional – it’s essential. Use CheckFuelPrices to compare prices at stations near you. Our data comes directly from the government’s Fuel Finder Scheme, updated within 30 minutes of any price change.

We’ll continue tracking prices daily. Check back next week for the latest update.

Current Prices: Petrol 140.28p/L | Diesel 158.78p/L

Diesel Surges Nearly 10p in a Week as Fuel Crisis Deepens

UK fuel prices have recorded their most dramatic weekly increases since the 2022 energy crisis. Diesel has jumped a staggering 9.8p per litre in just seven days, while petrol rose 4.6p – punishing increases that are hitting drivers hard.

A 50-litre tank of petrol now costs £70.14 – up £2.30 from last week. Diesel drivers are paying £79.39, a brutal £4.90 more than seven days ago.

This Week’s Prices

• Petrol (ULSP): 140.28p per litre – up 4.6p this week
• Diesel (ULSD): 158.78p per litre – up 9.8p this week

The 9.8p weekly rise in diesel is extraordinary – the largest single-week increase in years. It reflects the severe impact of Middle East supply disruptions on diesel wholesale costs, which have jumped from 64.93p to 79.37p pre-tax in just three weeks.

Year-on-Year: The Savings Have Gone

Just a month ago, drivers were enjoying significant year-on-year savings. That has now completely reversed:

• Petrol: Now 2.3p MORE expensive than March 2025
• Diesel: Now 13.4p MORE expensive than March 2025

In mid-February, petrol was 7.9p cheaper than the previous year and diesel was 5.4p cheaper. Those savings have been wiped out entirely – and then some.

Three Weeks of Relentless Rises

Since the Middle East conflict began on February 28, prices have surged:

• Petrol: Up approximately 8.6p per litre (from 131.71p)
• Diesel: Up approximately 17.3p per litre (from 141.46p)

For a driver filling up weekly, that’s an extra £4.30 per tank on petrol – or £224 more per year. Diesel drivers are facing an additional £8.65 per fill, equivalent to £450 annually.

The Diesel Premium Hits Record Levels

The gap between petrol and diesel has now stretched to 18.5p per litre – nearly double what it was a month ago. Diesel drivers are paying £9.25 more per 50-litre tank than petrol users.

The price breakdown shows where the pain is concentrated:

• Petrol base cost (pre-tax): 63.95p
• Diesel base cost (pre-tax): 79.37p
• Fuel duty: 52.95p (unchanged)
• VAT at 20%: 23.38p (petrol) / 26.46p (diesel)

Diesel’s wholesale cost is now 15.42p higher than petrol’s – explaining the widening gap at the pumps.

Supply Concerns Mount

Energy experts have warned that the UK could face fuel rationing within weeks if disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz continue. The waterway – through which 20% of the world’s oil typically flows – remains largely closed.

Nick Butler, former head of strategy at BP, warned: “If this continues, there will be a real shortage of supply worldwide, including in the UK.”

For now, there is no shortage at UK forecourts. But with prices at these levels, making every tank count has never been more important.

CMA Investigating “Price Gouging”

The Competition and Markets Authority is investigating whether fuel retailers are overcharging drivers. Chancellor Rachel Reeves accused retailers of “price gouging” after some forecourts were found charging almost 180p per litre while others charged less than 130p.

That 50p per litre variation means shopping around could save you up to £25 per tank.

What Drivers Should Do

Shop around – Price differences between stations have never been wider. Check CheckFuelPrices before every fill-up.

Don’t panic buy – There is no shortage. Panic buying creates the very queues and empty pumps everyone fears.

Drive efficiently – Smooth acceleration, steady speeds, and proper tyre pressures can cut consumption by up to 30%.

Cut non-essential trips – The AA has advised drivers to consider whether every journey is necessary while prices remain elevated.

Check availability – Use our crowdsourced availability reports to find stations with fuel in stock.

What Happens Next?

With oil still above $100 a barrel and the conflict showing no signs of resolution, further price rises are expected. Experts have warned petrol could reach 150p and diesel could climb towards 170p if disruptions continue.

We’ll continue tracking prices daily. Check back next week for the latest update.

Current Prices: Petrol 135.67p/L | Diesel 149.01p/L

UK fuel prices have recorded their sharpest weekly increase in years as the Middle East conflict continues to disrupt global oil supplies. Petrol jumped 3.5p per litre while diesel soared 6.9p – extraordinary rises that will hit drivers hard at the pump.

A 50-litre tank of petrol now costs £67.84, up £1.75 from last week. Diesel drivers are paying £74.51, a painful £3.45 more than seven days ago.

The Numbers This Week

• Petrol (ULSP): 135.67p per litre – up 3.5p this week
• Diesel (ULSD): 149.01p per litre – up 6.9p this week

These are the largest weekly increases since the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. With oil prices now trading above $100 a barrel, further rises are expected.

Year-on-Year Comparison Flips

For the first time in months, the year-on-year picture has shifted dramatically. Petrol remains 3.7p cheaper than March 2025 – but that gap is closing fast. Diesel has now crossed into negative territory: drivers are paying 2.4p more per litre than this time last year.

Just a few weeks ago, motorists were enjoying year-on-year savings of nearly 8p on petrol and over 5p on diesel. Those savings have been wiped out in a matter of days.

What’s Driving the Surge?

The conflict between the US, Israel and Iran has now entered its second week with no signs of de-escalation. Oil prices have soared above $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022, driven by disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz – through which around 20% of the world’s oil passes.

The price breakdown shows where the increases are hitting:

• Petrol base cost (pre-tax): 60.11p – up significantly from 56.81p a fortnight ago
• Diesel base cost (pre-tax): 71.23p – up sharply from 64.93p
• Fuel duty: 52.95p (unchanged)
• VAT at 20%: 22.61p (petrol) / 24.84p (diesel)

Diesel’s wholesale cost has risen faster than petrol, explaining the steeper increase at the pumps.

The Diesel Premium Widens Further

The gap between petrol and diesel has now stretched to 13.34p per litre – up from around 10p just two weeks ago. Diesel drivers are paying £6.67 more per 50-litre tank than petrol users.

This widening spread reflects diesel’s greater exposure to global supply chain disruptions and the specific impact on Middle Eastern refining capacity.

How High Could Prices Go?

Analysis by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit shows the historic relationship between oil and pump prices:

• Oil at $100/barrel: Petrol around 150p per litre
• Oil at $120/barrel: Petrol around 170p per litre

RAC head of policy Simon Williams warned last week: “Unleaded is almost certainly going to reach an average of 140p in the next week or so, while diesel looks highly likely to climb to at least 160p a litre.”

With petrol already at 135.67p and diesel at 149.01p, those predictions are looking increasingly likely.

Expert Advice: Drive Smarter, Shop Around

AA president Edmund King has urged drivers to consider cutting non-essential journeys and adopting fuel-efficient driving habits to offset rising costs.

Key tips to make your fuel go further:

Drive smoothly – Harsh acceleration and braking can increase consumption by up to 30%.

Slow down – 70mph uses 9% more fuel than 60mph, and 15% more than 50mph.

Check tyre pressures – Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption.

Remove excess weight – Every 50kg costs around 2% more fuel.

Combine trips – A warm engine is more efficient than a cold one.

Shop Around – It’s Never Been More Important

During volatile periods, price differences between stations widen significantly. The gap between the cheapest supermarket forecourt and a premium branded station could now be 15-20p per litre or more.

On a 50-litre tank, that’s £7.50 to £10 – a significant saving for a quick price check before filling up.

Use CheckFuelPrices to compare prices at stations near you. We’re also tracking fuel availability through crowdsourced reports, so you can avoid queues and empty pumps.

What Happens Next?

The trajectory depends entirely on the conflict. If oil remains above $100 for an extended period, expect petrol to reach 140-150p and diesel to approach 160p or higher.

For now, drivers should expect continued increases at the pumps over the coming weeks. The best defence is to drive efficiently, shop around for prices, and consider whether every journey is essential.

We’ll continue tracking prices daily. Check back next week for the latest update.

Current Prices: Petrol 132.14p/L | Diesel 142.15p/L

Prices Jump as Middle East Conflict Hits Oil Markets

UK fuel prices have risen sharply this week as the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran disrupts global oil supplies. Petrol is up 0.43p per litre while diesel has climbed 0.69p – the first significant weekly increases we’ve seen in months.

The rises come after Brent crude oil surged from $73 to $80 per barrel over the weekend following strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks across the Middle East. At least 150 tankers dropped anchor outside the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday as shipping through the critical waterway ground to a halt.

Year-on-Year Comparison

Despite this week’s increases, petrol remains cheaper than a year ago – though the gap is narrowing. At 132.14p, drivers are still paying less than the 139p+ seen in early March 2025. Diesel at 142.15p is also below year-ago levels, when prices were closer to 147p.

The question now is how long that remains the case.

What’s Driving the Increase?

Around 20 per cent of the world’s gas and oil is shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, making it the most critical chokepoint in global energy supply. Iran has warned vessels not to pass through the strait, with international shipping coming to an effective standstill.

Three vessels near the strait were struck by an “unknown projectile” over the weekend, according to the UK Maritime Trade Organisation. Several oil companies have suspended shipments entirely.

How High Could Prices Go?

AA president Edmund King predicted that petrol prices could return to levels last seen at the start of 2026, when a litre of petrol was an average of 135.7p. That would add another 3.5p to current prices.

The RAC outlined scenarios based on oil prices: at $80 a barrel, expect petrol around 136p; at $90, over 140p; at $100, closer to 150p.

At 150p per litre, a 50-litre fill would cost £75 – nearly £9 more than today’s £66.07.

The Diesel Premium Widens

The gap between petrol and diesel has stretched to 10.01p per litre – crossing the 10p threshold for the first time in recent weeks. Diesel drivers are now paying £5 more per 50-litre tank than petrol users, up from £4.88 last week.

What Should Drivers Do?

Mr King advised: “There is no need for drivers to break their refuelling routine. It takes time for cost increases to work their way through to the pump.”

PetrolPrices director Andrew Watson added: “During periods of volatility, the gap between the highest and lowest local prices often widens.”

That makes shopping around more important than ever. With prices varying by 20p or more per litre between stations during volatile periods, checking CheckFuelPrices before filling up could save you significant money as prices climb.

Looking Ahead

The chart shows prices had been relatively stable since late 2025, with petrol gradually declining from around 140p to the low 130s. This week marks a clear inflection point.

How far prices rise depends on the duration and intensity of the conflict. Even if Iran shows signs of de-escalation, it could take a few weeks for shipping to return to normal.

We’ll continue tracking prices daily. For now, expect gradual increases at the pumps over the coming weeks.

Current Prices: Petrol 131.71p/L | Diesel 141.46p/L

Prices Hold Steady

UK fuel prices barely moved this week, with petrol edging up just 0.1p per litre and diesel unchanged. It’s the calmest week we’ve seen in months – a sign that the market has settled into a stable rhythm after the gradual declines earlier in the year.

Year-on-Year Savings Keep Growing

The annual comparison continues to look healthy for drivers. Petrol is now 7.9p cheaper than February 2025 – that’s £3.95 saved on every 50-litre fill, or around £205 over a year of weekly top-ups. Diesel is down 5.4p year-on-year, saving £2.70 per tank or roughly £140 annually.

These are the best year-on-year figures we’ve reported so far in 2026.

The Diesel Premium

The gap between fuels remains at 9.75p per litre – virtually unchanged from last week. Diesel drivers are paying £4.88 more per 50-litre tank than petrol users. With wholesale diesel costs (64.93p pre-tax) holding steady while petrol crept up slightly (56.81p), the spread has stabilised after widening earlier in the month.

Budget Watch

With the Spring Budget approaching, all eyes are on whether the Chancellor will adjust the 52.95p fuel duty rate. Any change – up or down – would show up at the pumps within days. We’ll be covering any announcements as they happen.

Find the Cheapest Fuel Near You

National averages are useful, but what matters is what you’re paying locally. With the Fuel Finder Scheme now live, CheckFuelPrices pulls prices directly from the government database – updated within 30 minutes of any change. A quick search before you fill up could save you £10 or more per tank.

Current Prices: Petrol 131.60p/L | Diesel 141.46p/L

The Downward Run Pauses

After several weeks of falling prices, UK fuel costs have ticked up slightly. Petrol edged up just 0.1p per litre – essentially flat – while diesel rose 0.7p. It’s the first increase for diesel in over a month, though both fuels remain near their recent lows.

Year-on-Year Savings Still Strong

Despite this week’s pause, the annual picture remains positive. Petrol is 7.6p cheaper than February 2025 – that’s £3.80 saved on every 50-litre fill, or around £198 over a year of weekly top-ups. Diesel is down 5.0p year-on-year, saving £2.50 per tank or roughly £130 annually.

The Diesel Premium Widens

The gap between fuels has stretched to 9.86p per litre, up from 9.20p last week. Diesel drivers are now paying £4.93 more per 50-litre tank than petrol users. The widening spread comes as diesel wholesale costs (64.93p pre-tax) rose while petrol held steady (56.71p). Worth watching if you’re weighing up fuel types for your next vehicle.

Finding the Cheapest Fuel Near You

With the Fuel Finder Scheme now live, CheckFuelPrices is pulling prices directly from the government’s central database – updated within 30 minutes of any change at participating forecourts. Price differences of up to 20p per litre between stations mean a quick search before filling up could save you £10 on a single tank.

Looking Ahead

This week’s small uptick looks more like a blip than a trend reversal. Oil markets remain relatively stable, and with the Spring Budget approaching, all eyes are on whether the Chancellor will adjust the 52.95p duty rate.

Current Prices: Petrol 131.62p/L | Diesel 140.82p/L

Three Weeks of Falls

UK fuel prices dropped for a third consecutive week, with both petrol and diesel down 0.4p per litre. Petrol has now dipped below 132p for the first time since last spring, while diesel has slipped under 141p.

Year-on-Year Savings Accelerating

The annual comparison continues to improve. Petrol is now 7.1p cheaper than February 2025 – that’s £3.55 saved on every 50-litre fill, or roughly £185 over a year of weekly top-ups. Diesel drivers are seeing £2.65 per tank savings (5.3p per litre down), working out to around £138 annually.

The Diesel Premium

The gap between fuels has tightened slightly to 9.20p per litre, down from 9.26p last week. Diesel drivers are still paying £4.60 more per 50-litre tank than petrol users, but the spread is slowly compressing as diesel wholesale costs ease faster than petrol.

Better Data: Government Fuel Finder Scheme Now Live

From today, we’re pulling prices directly from the new Fuel Finder Scheme. All UK petrol stations are now required to report their prices to a central government database within 30 minutes of any change – and CheckFuelPrices is integrating this data alongside our existing retailer feeds.

What does this mean for you? Fresher, more accurate prices when you search. The government estimates drivers can save around £40 a year by shopping around, and with price differences of up to 20p per litre between stations, it’s worth a quick check before filling up.

Looking Ahead

With oil markets relatively calm and no immediate policy shifts on the horizon, expect this gradual downward drift to continue. The Spring Budget remains the key date to watch for any changes to the 52.95p duty rate.