Drivers are being warned that they could see petrol and diesel prices begin to creep up again after weeks of falling and stagnant costs, as the war in Iran continues.
Fresh data from RAC Fuel Watch shows that drivers are currently paying 163.36p per litre for petrol – the highest price since the outbreak of the conflict at the end of February.
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In the last two months, prices have jumped by 13p per litre, with costs rising by an average of 0.69p per day.
Similarly, diesel has jumped to 184.99p per litre, which is almost 30 per cent higher than costs seen on February 28, when tensions in the Middle East turned into war.
Escalating attacks in the Middle East have prompted the price of oil to rise above $94 (£70) over the last week, given the volatility of the Strait of Hormuz.
Rod Dennis, senior policy officer at the RAC, noted that oil prices have not maintained such a high price since before the summer, creating “upward pressure” on wholesale fuel costs.
He said: “This almost certainly means drivers will start paying noticeably more at the pumps in the coming weeks.
“Indeed, both petrol and diesel are already up by around a penny a litre since last weekend.”
Mr Dennis highlighted that UK drivers are still a long way away from the all-time high prices seen after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In the months following Vladimir Putin’s invasion, petrol jumped to an average of more than 191p per litre, while diesel drivers were routinely paying more than £2 for their fuel.
Despite this, the RAC expert said: “With household budgets continuing to feel the squeeze, the outlook for those that depend on the car isn’t looking good at all.”
He encouraged motorists to ensure they are using fuel price comparison apps, such as myRAC, to locate the cheapest petrol and diesel prices in their local area.
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Motorists are facing the pinch around the world, with diesel prices soaring to their highest-ever level in the United States, with an average gallon of fuel hitting $5.85 (£4.33).
This is equivalent to around £7 in the UK, as the American Automobile Association warned that prices were more than $2 (£1.48) more expensive than they were last year.
US President Donald Trump has pledged to slash fuel costs for motorists following the signing of an oil deal with Venezuela.
The AAA stated that the upcoming Labor Day weekend is likely to be the most expensive at the pumps in history.
Most expensive petrol prices
R&R Retail UK LTD, Luton, Bedfordshire (LU4 8DA) – 194.9p
Lochaline Filling Station, Morvern, Scottish Highlands (PA80 5AD) – 193p
Biggerstaff’s Garage, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire (WD3 6AR) – 191p
Hilton Park South Service Area, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire (WV11 2AT) – 189.9p
Ferrybridge Service Area, Knottingley, West Yorkshire (WF11 0AF) – 189.9p
Most expensive diesel prices
Hilton Park North and South Service Area, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire (WV11 2AT) – 206.9p
Southwaite North and South Service Area, Carlisle, Cumbria (CA4 0NT) – 206.9p
Kinross Service Area, Kinross, Perthshire (KY13 0NQ) – 206.9p
Lancaster North and South Service Area, Lancaster, Lancashire (LA2 9DU) – 206.9p
Shell Taunton Deane North and South, Taunton, Somerset (TA3 7PF) – 206.9p
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