The average price of diesel in the UK has reached an all-time record high. Standard diesel climbed to an average cost of 199.18p per litre this weekend as forecourts around the country continue to raise prices.
According to the RAC, this is the highest price ever recorded in the UK, beating the previous high of 199.09p per litre in June 2022. Diesel prices have risen by 20 per cent since mid-July, driven by pressure on global oil markets caused by the Iran war, which has led to a second spike in UK prices.
Petrol prices also rising
The average price of standard unleaded petrol is now 174.1p per litre. While this has also risen sharply in recent weeks, it has not reached the same record levels as diesel. Following the invasion of Ukraine, unleaded peaked in July 2022 at 191.5p per litre.
The price of standard unleaded is also rising and could break through the £2 barrier, with more than 50 forecourts at motorway service stations now charging 199.9p per litre.
Impact on households and businesses
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “The average price of a litre of diesel has now reached the highest level in UK history, in what will be a financial blow to households and businesses that use their vehicles regularly.
“The cost of filling up an average family car is now almost £110, £31 more than it was at the start of the US-Iran conflict.
“This spells pain not only at the pumps for drivers, but for everyone who buys goods or services that rely on diesel lorries and vans; undoubtedly these increased costs will be passed on to consumers.
“Only a sustained lower oil price – over several weeks, not days – will lead to cheaper prices at the pumps.”
Vehicle statistics
A total of 15.1 million diesel-fuelled vehicles were licensed to be on UK roads at the end of June this year, down from 15.7 million 12 months earlier, according to the latest figures from the Department for Transport. There were 9.8 million diesel cars, down year on year from 10.4 million.
Some 20.4 million petrol vehicles were licensed to be on roads this June, including 18.8 million cars.
