Petrol and diesel prices hit highest since 2022

Petrol and diesel prices in the United Kingdom have surged to their highest levels since 2022, with the RAC reporting an average litre of petrol now costing 169.68 pence and diesel 191.68 pence. The rise brings the cost of filling a typical 55‑litre family car to over £93 for unleaded petrol and more than £105 for diesel, matching the price environment that existed after Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago. Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, warned that “there’s no end in sight to high pump prices” as wholesale oil remains above $100 a barrel, a threshold that directly lifts pump prices by roughly 7 pence per litre for every $10 increase in crude.

The price spike is tied to renewed hostilities in the Middle East, where the US‑Israel conflict with Iran has disrupted oil production and transportation, notably threatening the Strait of Hormuz—a chokepoint for about 20 % of the world’s oil and LNG shipments. After a brief dip when the United States and Iran reached a framework deal in June, prices rebounded as tensions resurfaced, pushing Brent crude back above $100 a barrel after previously falling to around $70. Analysts note that each $10 rise in Brent translates into a 7 pence per litre increase at the pump, and the volatility of Brent since the war began—peaking above $120 before settling near $70 after the June agreement—has driven the current fuel cost levels. The UK, heavily dependent on imported oil from the US and Norway, feels the impact of these global market swings, while domestic refiners export much of the North Sea output, limiting local buffering capacity.

Fuel retailers have denied accusations of price gouging, and the market regulator has found no evidence of deliberate price manipulation amid the crisis. The government’s Fuel Finder scheme continues to help drivers compare station prices, while a planned 5 p fuel duty increase slated for September has been postponed until December, a decision initially made by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in response to the conflict. The RAC argues there is a strong case for keeping fuel duty at its current level at least until the end of the parliamentary term, given the ongoing uncertainty. Experts caution that even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens, normal shipping volumes will take time to resume, meaning the repercussions of the Middle East conflict on global oil supplies—and consequently on UK motorists—are likely to persist for months.

⚡ Effects Interpreter