Diesel owners are paying more than £500 extra to use the roads this October compared with earlier in the year, as fuel prices continue to climb following summer surges, according to new analysis.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show average diesel prices rose by 10.7p per litre between August and September 2026. Data from motoring experts at Motorpoint suggests the financial impact on drivers is even greater.
Annual fuel costs rise by £504
A typical diesel driver could now spend as much as £1,771.25 a year on fuel, compared with £1,266.97 at the end of February when the conflict in the Middle East began. That represents an increase of £504.28 per year, an almost 40% rise.
Tim Rodie, car expert at Motorpoint, warned that many owners could reconsider whether a diesel car is right for them as costs spiral. He said: "If most of your driving is now made up of short, local journeys, you are getting less of the benefit diesel offers over longer distances. Regular short journeys can also be less suitable for diesel cars fitted with a diesel particulate filter, as these systems need opportunities to reach the temperatures required to clear built-up soot."
Prices near £2 per litre
According to analysis from RAC Fuel Watch, diesel prices have soared by 56.6p per litre since disruption in the Middle East began. Average UK diesel prices exceeded £2 per litre earlier in October, breaking the previous all-time high, and have since settled just below that level at around 199.33p per litre at forecourts nationwide.
Earlier this month, the RAC warned that diesel costs were a "long way from being out of the woods when it comes to high fuel prices." Simon Williams, its head of policy, added: "Households are paying £31 and £23 more respectively every time they fill up a family-sized car. And as things stand, this year is still set to be the second most expensive year on record for drivers."
