UK Fuel Prices Surge as Oil Hits 14-Month High Amid Middle East Conflict
The price of oil has surged to its highest level in 14 months, leading to significant increases in petrol and diesel costs at UK pumps. This spike follows military actions in the Middle East, with the RAC reporting that the average price of petrol has risen by 2.5p per litre and diesel by 3p since the conflict began.
Impact of Middle East Tensions on Oil Supply
The recent escalation began when the US and Israel launched drone and missile strikes on Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated with attacks that disrupted shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for approximately 20% of the world's oil supply. This disruption has nearly halted oil flow, contributing to the price surge.
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, commented on the situation: "The average price of petrol has increased by nearly 2.5p a litre since Saturday and diesel by more than 3p on the back of oil surging above $81 a barrel - a price not seen since January last year." He added that if oil remains at this level, petrol prices might not exceed 136p per litre on average, though diesel is rising faster.
Detailed Price Increases and Regional Variations
Before the conflict, on February 2, 2026, petrol cost 132.83p per litre and diesel 142.38p. Prices remained stable initially but began climbing from Monday, March 2. By yesterday, petrol had reached 135.20p and diesel 145.66p, with further rises expected.
The UK-wide average for petrol is currently 135.20p, but motorway service areas charge an average of 158.87p. The most expensive reported price was at an Asda in Bothwell, near Glasgow, where a 3p increase brought the cost to a staggering 169.9p per litre.
Supply Issues and Consumer Reactions
Images from across the country show long queues at petrol stations, as fears of supply shortages grow. An Esso station reported being "out of fuel" overnight due to market forces and supply issues. The Fairway Service Station in Stone, Staffordshire, had a delivery cancelled unexpectedly, leaving it without fuel until a rescheduled delivery on Thursday morning.
In a social media post, the station stated: "Due to unforeseen circumstances we are currently out of all grades of fuel. We were due a delivery this evening which has been cancelled due to current market forces and supply issues." They apologized for the inconvenience and promised updates on potential future disruptions.
Concerns Over Profiteering and Consumer Advice
Howard Cox, founder of FairFuelUK, has warned against "opportunistic profiteering" by some forecourts, noting that 120 campaign supporters have reported high prices. He alleged that some stations are selling fuel at inflated prices despite purchasing stocks before wholesale increases.
Edmund King, president of the AA, urged calm among drivers: "There is no need for drivers to break their refuelling routine." He explained that it takes time for cost increases to reach pumps, and supermarkets often delay price hikes. King also highlighted the government's fuel finder tool, which helps drivers locate cheaper stations locally to manage costs.
As the conflict continues, experts predict further price volatility, with petrol potentially returning to early-year highs of around 135.7p per litre. Drivers are advised to monitor local prices and plan refuelling accordingly to mitigate the impact of these ongoing increases.
