Diesel hits an all-time high of 199p a litre

The price of diesel in the UK has hit an all-time high, passing the previous record set in 2022, and the RAC has warned that it is likely to rise further.

The average price of a litre of diesel reached 199.18p, according to RAC figures published on Monday. Unleaded petrol has also been climbing, reaching 174.13p a litre this month.

A sharp rise

Diesel has gone up by 14.5p a litre in September alone and by 55p since 28 February. Petrol has risen by nearly 12p this month and by more than 40p since the start of the war with Iran.

The UK now has the most expensive diesel in Europe, 12p a litre more than Finland and the Netherlands.

Why prices are rising

The main cause is the cost of oil, which has been trading consistently above 100 dollars a barrel as the conflict involving Iran has disrupted supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. On Monday, Brent crude climbed as high as 108.83 dollars after President Donald Trump rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the strait.

Diesel is especially sensitive to supply problems because it is used heavily by lorries, farm machinery and industry, as well as by millions of cars and vans.

Who feels it most

Higher fuel prices hit drivers directly at the pump, and they also push up costs across the economy. Hauliers, delivery firms, tradespeople and farmers who rely on diesel face higher bills, which can feed through into the prices of food and other goods.

For households already facing a rise in the energy price cap on 1 October, the increase adds to the pressure on budgets.

Tips for drivers

Prices vary widely between filling stations, and supermarket forecourts are often cheaper than motorway services. Drivers can compare prices near them using fuel price comparison websites and apps, and the Government publishes weekly figures on average road fuel prices.

Driving more smoothly, keeping tyres properly inflated and removing unnecessary weight from the car can also help to cut fuel use.