UK Fuel Prices Surge to Multi-Year Highs Amid Iran Conflict Disruption
New official figures have revealed that petrol, diesel and heating oil prices across the United Kingdom have climbed to their highest levels in several years, driven by supply disruptions stemming from the ongoing conflict in Iran. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has published comprehensive data showing significant week-on-week and month-on-month increases that are placing substantial financial pressure on both motorists and households.
Petrol and Diesel Prices Reach Concerning Peaks
The average pump price for a litre of unleaded petrol in the UK reached 148.8p on Monday, March 30, according to the latest DESNZ figures. This represents a substantial increase of 4.6p compared to the previous week and a dramatic jump of 16.6p, or 13%, since March 2. This marks the highest price point for unleaded petrol since May 2024, with the Iran conflict having begun on February 28.
These government statistics are compiled through a weekly fuel price survey that covers approximately 60% of the total market volume sold across the country. The survey methodology calculates estimates of average fuel prices every Monday. It is worth noting that unleaded petrol previously reached a peak of 191.6p per litre in July 2022, several months following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Perhaps even more concerning is the situation with diesel fuel. The survey indicates that the average price for a litre of diesel stood at 176.5p on Monday, March 30. This represents a staggering increase of 9.6p week-on-week and a massive 34.4p, or 24%, rise since March 2. This is the highest price recorded for diesel since December 2022, with the previous peak having been 199.2p per litre in July 2022.
RAC Figures Confirm the Upward Trend
Separate estimates published by the RAC motoring organisation corroborate these concerning trends. The RAC updates its figures daily based on wholesale prices and pump prices, including data from the UK's four largest supermarkets – Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons – plus other major fuel brands.
According to the RAC's calculations, the average price for a litre of unleaded petrol as of Tuesday, March 31 was 152.8p, representing an increase of 20p since the Iran conflict began. Meanwhile, average diesel prices on Tuesday stood at 182.8p per litre, showing a dramatic 40p increase since the start of the conflict on February 28.
This significant price escalation means that it now costs £100.52 to fill a standard 55-litre family car, breaching the psychologically important £100 mark for the first time since December 2022.
Cumulative Financial Impact on Motorists
The motoring research charity, the RAC Foundation, has calculated the broader financial impact of these price increases. Their analysis estimates that the rise in road fuel prices has led to motorists paying a cumulative additional £544 million for petrol and diesel since the start of the Iran conflict.
This substantial figure breaks down to £409 million for diesel and £135 million for petrol. These calculations estimate how much extra UK drivers have paid in total compared to what would have been spent had fuel prices remained at the same level they were on February 27, just before the conflict began. The data is based on average daily pump price rises and last year's fuel consumption rates.
Heating Oil Prices Also Skyrocket
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero also publishes monthly figures on heating oil prices, which show equally dramatic increases. The latest data, released on Tuesday, reveals that the average price per litre of standard grade burning oil stood at 104.1p in March.
This represents nearly double the average price in February, which was 53.5p, and marks the highest monthly figure since official data collection began in January 1989. The previous peak was in June 2022, when the figure reached 99.3p.
Additionally, the average price per litre of gas oil stood at 99.5p in March, representing a 51% increase from 66.0p in February. This is the highest monthly figure since November 2022, when it reached 128.1p. Gas oil is typically used for commercial and agricultural heating systems, while standard grade burning oil – most commonly kerosene – is used in central heating systems in residential homes.
The combination of these fuel price increases across multiple sectors is creating significant financial pressure on UK households and businesses, with the disruption to supplies caused by the Iran conflict continuing to impact energy markets.
