{"id":59956,"title":"Diesel prices breach two pounds at hundreds of Scottish forecourts","publisher":"Stockmark.IT","author":"Stockmark.IT Website","published":"2026-09-26T09:04:26+00:00","modified":"2026-09-26T05:09:49+00:00","canonical_url":"https://stockmark.it/diesel-prices-exceed-2-a-litre-at-hundreds-of-forecourts-across-scotla/","markdown_url":"https://stockmark.it/diesel-prices-exceed-2-a-litre-at-hundreds-of-forecourts-across-scotla.md","json_url":"https://stockmark.it/diesel-prices-exceed-2-a-litre-at-hundreds-of-forecourts-across-scotla.json","category":"Financial","categories":["Financial","Fuel Prices"],"featured_image":"https://i0.wp.com/stockmark.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/diesel-prices-breach-two-pounds-at-hundreds-of-scottish.png?fit=1536%2C1024&quality=80&ssl=1","format":"news","language":"en-GB","content":"The cost of diesel has surpassed two pounds per litre at hundreds of fuel stations across Scotland, according to an analysis conducted by BBC Scotland News. The price surge is attributed to ongoing geopolitical conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, which have driven up the cost of crude oil and subsequently increased fuel and energy prices across the United Kingdom. The analysis indicates that at least 226 sites, ranging from the Borders to Shetland, are currently selling diesel at a price greater than two pounds per litre. This marks a significant increase for consumers and businesses alike, with the RAC predicting that the UK average price of diesel will reach a new record high over the coming weekend.\n\nThe impact of these rising costs is particularly acute in rural and island communities, where fuel prices are notably higher than in mainland urban centres. In some of Scotland’s islands, diesel is priced at 50p per litre more than the rates found at supermarkets in the central belt. Specific examples include prices reaching 238.8p and 223p in the Hebrides, and 209.0p and 208.9p in the Northern Isles. These elevated costs are placing severe financial pressure on local businesses, particularly those in the transport and agricultural sectors, which rely heavily on diesel for their daily operations.\n\nHaulage operators have described the current situation as devastating for their businesses. Norman MacAskill, who runs a haulage firm in South Uist, noted that when he started his business 40 years ago, it cost 32p per litre to fill a lorry’s tank, a figure that has now risen to £2.22. He stated that no business can withstand such a sharp increase in costs, warning that dozens of established haulage firms are facing closure. Similarly, Dave Neil, who operates a haulage firm in Orkney, reported that his business is now spending £400 a week more on diesel than it did before the summer. To cope with these expenses, Neil has been forced to add an extra fee to his customers’ costs, a measure he described as the fairest way to manage the situation until fuel prices potentially drop.\n\nThe Road Haulage Association has calculated that fuel is costing operators roughly £250 a week extra per vehicle. The association has called on the UK government to scrap any planned fuel duty rises in January, March, and April. Additionally, it has urged the introduction of an essential user rebate for coaches, lorries, and vans, a measure already in place in countries such as Spain, France, and Italy. Managing director Richard Smith argued that it is time for the UK to catch up with these international practices to support commercial vehicle operators.\n\nThe agricultural sector is also feeling the strain of the price increases. The National Farmers’ Union Scotland stated that rising fuel prices represent another unwelcome cost for farmers and crofters. Fuel is a significant input cost for farm businesses, and increases feed directly into the cost of producing food. With many farmers currently working through harvest and other intensive autumn operations, there is limited scope to reduce fuel use. Crofter Amy Henderson from Kiltarlity described the situation as deflating, noting that she has to make logistical decisions about whether to use her car or truck and must consider fuel costs when quoting prices for her music performances.\n\nCharities are also affected by the rising costs. James Dunbar, chief executive of New Start Highland, an Inverness-based charity, said that rising fuel prices have a direct impact on the organisation’s operations and the individuals it supports. Transport is core to the charity’s work, including collecting and delivering furniture to those facing crisis and hardship. Although the charity is in the process of moving to a fully electrified fleet, Dunbar noted that rising fuel costs currently affect the families they serve.\n\nThe RAC’s head of policy, Simon Williams, stated that the average UK price of diesel is teetering on the brink of a new all-time high at 198.32p. This takes the cost of a 55-litre fill-up for a family car to £109. He noted that the UK now has the most expensive diesel in Europe by 12p a litre, ahead of Finland and the Netherlands. Petrol is also at its highest price in more than four years, averaging 173.6p, with diesel up 14.5p this month alone and 55p since 28 February.\n\nThe AA has stated that its campaigning has persuaded the UK government to set up pump-price transparency, allowing drivers to check for the latest pump prices via websites and phone apps. The AA has argued that there should be no scrapping of the Treasury’s 5p cut in fuel duty, which was first introduced in March 2022. It added that there is a good argument for diesel getting further relief, particularly for smaller businesses such as taxi drivers, craftspeople, and vets, who do not automatically pass the extra cost onto their customers.\n\nThe UK government has responded by stating that it continues to protect British people and businesses from the crisis. A spokesperson said that drivers benefit from the extension of the 5p fuel duty cut, with diesel 11p per litre cheaper until the end of the year than it would have been compared to plans inherited from the previous government. The government confirmed that there would not be an increase in fuel duty this year."}