UK diesel prices have crossed £2 a litre for the first time, reaching an average of 200.01p, according to the RAC motoring group. Petrol prices have also climbed to 174.71p a litre on average. The RAC said price rises were "showing no signs of slowing, heaping more misery onto motorists."
Multiple supply disruptions are driving the increases. Over the past seven months, conflict in Iran has severely disrupted production and transportation of wholesale oil and refined products from the region. Ukrainian attacks on Russian refiners have further constrained global diesel supplies. China has also restricted exports of refined fuels.
Filling an average family car with diesel now costs £110, up £32 since the start of the Iran-US conflict seven months ago. A typical petrol car costs £96.09 to fill, up £23.03 since February.
The impact extends beyond drivers. Mark Means, a Norfolk farmer with over 50 years of experience, said he was "frightened to death" by rising costs and has spent £50,000 on new diesel tanks to secure supply for harvesting and planting. Steven Tompkins, a driving instructor in Leicester, said he must raise lesson prices because of fuel costs, putting pressure on students working part time on tight budgets.
The RAC's policy head Simon Williams called £2 "a price threshold no one wanted to cross," warning it will challenge households, haulage firms, delivery companies, and businesses with large fleets.
Separately, G7 nations agreed Friday to release 100 million barrels of oil to counter further price increases. The group also agreed member countries would not impose export restrictions on each other. This move followed US President Donald Trump's threat to ban American diesel exports, which would have pushed global prices higher but eased pressure on US consumers before November's midterm elections.
The UK government sought to reassure consumers, stating there is "no cause for concern about potential diesel shortages." A spokesperson said the UK has "a diverse and resilient supply" and continues to engage with international partners. Over half of UK diesel is imported, with less than a third of imports coming from the US, amounting to around 17 percent of total UK supply.