UK diesel price hits all-time high, RAC says

The UK's diesel prices have reached an all-time high of 199.18p per litre, according to the motoring organisation RAC. The ongoing war in the Middle East is driving up fuel costs, with petrol prices also on the rise at 174.13p per litre. The conflict has greatly disrupted oil production and transportation in the region, causing fuel prices to surge.

RAC notes that diesel costs have entered uncharted territory, highlighting the UK's vulnerability to distant events. The price of diesel has increased by 59p a litre, or around 40%, since February's Iran-Iraq conflict began. This means filling a typical family car with diesel now costs £110, £31 more than at the start of the conflict.

Petrol prices have climbed 41p per litre, but remain below their 2022 peak. RAC's head of policy, Simon Williams, warns that these higher costs will affect drivers and everyone who relies on diesel lorries and vans. He says the prices won't drop until oil prices remain low for several weeks, not just days. The conflict in the Middle East has severely restricted oil supplies internationally, with Russia, another major producer, banning diesel exports following Ukraine's attacks on its refineries.

Since the UK heavily relies on imports, the four domestic refineries can only produce enough diesel to meet demand, not for international sales.