UK diesel prices hit fresh record high of 199.33p a litre, RAC data shows

Average diesel costs push further into record territory as the conflict in the Middle East continues to drive up wholesale oil prices.

By Steve Rowland · AI-assisted production, human-approved (how we work)
Published 29 September 2026 at 01:04 · Updated 29 September 2026 at 01:17

Developing · updated 2 hours ago

We are still following this story and this page updates as more is confirmed.

In brief

What happened

UK diesel prices have reached an all-time record high of 199.18p per litre, surpassing the previous peak recorded in June 2022. Since the start of the Iran-US war on 28 February, diesel prices have jumped by 40 per cent, while petrol prices have risen by 31.1 per cent. Forecourt charges also vary widely across the country, with diesel ranging from 182.9p to 228p per litre.

Why it matters

The sharp rise in fuel costs is putting additional strain on households already experiencing a broader cost of living crisis. Motoring experts are urging the Government to intervene by reducing fuel duty for drivers. Meanwhile, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero maintains that the UK's energy supply remains diverse and resilient.

What's next

It remains to be seen whether government ministers will agree to cut fuel duty to relieve motorists. Additionally, it is uncertain how much further wholesale market pressures will push pump prices in the coming weeks. The story will continue to be monitored as new pricing data emerges.

UK diesel prices have climbed to a fresh all-time high of 199.33p per litre, according to the latest figures from the RAC motoring organisation.

We previously reported that average diesel prices had reached a record 199.18p, but forecourt charges have continued to climb, moving further past the previous peak of 199.09p set in June 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The RAC's figures, based on average pump prices across supermarkets, motorway service areas, and independent retailers, show the cost of filling an average family diesel car has now reached £110 — £31 more than before the conflict erupted at the end of February. Diesel has increased by 59p per litre, or just under 40 per cent, over that period.

Petrol prices are also continuing to rise, with a litre currently averaging 174.23p. While that remains below petrol's 2022 peak, it is 41p per litre higher than pre-conflict levels.

The sharp increases follow significant disruptions to wholesale oil production and shipping routes across the Middle East. Brent crude is currently trading at around $108 per barrel, compared with roughly $73 before the conflict began. International diesel supplies are also being squeezed by a Russian export ban on diesel following Ukrainian attacks on its refineries.

Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, warned that record diesel charges will increase costs across the wider economy. He noted that higher transport costs will inevitably be passed on to consumers buying goods and services, adding that pump prices are unlikely to fall without a sustained drop in oil prices over several weeks.

Ministers are facing renewed pressure to ease the burden on households and businesses. John Healey told BBC Radio 5 Live that the Government is conscious of the pressure on families and businesses at the pumps, stating: "Where we can we will act and we will give people just a bit of breathing space." A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero previously told GB News that UK supplies remain diverse and resilient.

Data compiled by GB News using the Government's Fuel Finder demonstrates the continuing wide variation in regional forecourt pricing. For diesel, the lowest price recorded was 182.9p per litre at Costco Wholesale in Loanhead, Edinburgh, with other Costco locations and Bangor Superstore in County Down at 185.9p. At the highest end, diesel reached 228p per litre at A&C MacLean on the Isle of Barra, with several motorway service stations recording 219.9p.

Petrol prices similarly range from 161.9p per litre at Essar Brewster Street Service Station in Bootle, Liverpool, up to 199.9p at Woolley Edge North Service Area in Wakefield.

I will continue to track forecourt prices and any potential government intervention in the weeks ahead.