{"id":60182,"title":"Diesel prices reach record high as Middle East conflict drives costs up","publisher":"Stockmark.IT","author":"Stockmark.IT Website","published":"2026-09-29T04:55:11+00:00","modified":"2026-09-29T04:55:11+00:00","canonical_url":"https://stockmark.it/uk-diesel-price-hits-all-time-high-the-rac-says/","markdown_url":"https://stockmark.it/uk-diesel-price-hits-all-time-high-the-rac-says.md","json_url":"https://stockmark.it/uk-diesel-price-hits-all-time-high-the-rac-says.json","category":"Financial","categories":["Financial","Fuel Prices"],"featured_image":"https://i0.wp.com/stockmark.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/diesel-prices-reach-record-high-as-middle-east-conflict.png?fit=1536%2C1024&quality=80&ssl=1","format":"news","language":"en-GB","content":"The average price of diesel in the United Kingdom has reached an all-time high of 199.33p per litre, according to data from the RAC motoring organisation. This surge in fuel costs is attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has significantly disrupted the production and transportation of wholesale oil across the region. Petrol prices are also continuing to rise, with the current average standing at 174.23p per litre.\n\nThe RAC described the current diesel prices as entering uncharted territory, noting that they serve as a stark reminder of how exposed the UK economy is to geopolitical events occurring far from its borders. Since the US-Israel conflict with Iran began at the end of February, the cost of diesel has increased by 59p per litre, representing a rise of just under 40 percent. This new record surpasses the previous high of 199.09p, which was recorded in June 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Consequently, the cost of filling an average family car with diesel now stands at £110, which is £31 more than at the start of the current conflict.\n\nWhile petrol prices have also risen by 41p per litre since the conflict began, they remain well below the peaks seen in 2022. The RAC’s figures are derived from the average prices at supermarkets, motorway service stations, and independent retailers. In response to the rising costs, the Chancellor stated on Monday that the appropriate time for the government to address questions regarding petrol and diesel prices and fuel duty is next month’s Budget. John Healey expressed acute concern for families facing these pressures, acknowledging that while the government cannot remove the underlying cost of living pressures, it will act where possible to provide some breathing space for consumers and businesses.\n\nSimon Williams, the RAC’s head of policy, warned that record diesel prices will cause pain not only for drivers at the pumps but also for consumers purchasing goods and services that rely on diesel lorries and vans. He noted that these increased costs would undoubtedly be passed on to the public. Williams added that pump prices are unlikely to fall until there is a sustained lower oil price over several weeks rather than days. The price of Brent crude, a global benchmark for oil, rose over the weekend to hover around $108 per barrel, up from approximately $73 before the invasion of Iran.\n\nInternational diesel supplies have been heavily constrained by the Middle East conflict, which has restricted the flow of both crude oil and refined diesel onto global markets. Additionally, Russia, a major producer, has implemented an export ban on diesel following Ukrainian attacks on its refineries, further limiting supply. Diesel is more difficult to refine than gasoline and is essential for the haulage and agriculture sectors, making it difficult to reduce demand. The UK remains heavily reliant on imports, as its four domestic refineries produce sufficient petrol but not enough diesel to meet national needs. According to the Department for Transport, there were 15.1 million diesel vehicles on UK roads at the end of June, a decrease from 15.7 million the previous year."}