What's happening to UK petrol and diesel prices?
UK petrol and diesel prices have risen due to Middle East tensions, with wholesale costs pushing up pump prices. Understand the impact and what to watch.
Direct answer
UK petrol and diesel prices have risen due to Middle East tensions, with wholesale oil costs pushing up pump prices. The conflict has caused supply disruptions, leading to higher fuel costs for households.
What's happening to UK petrol and diesel prices?
UK petrol and diesel prices have risen sharply due to Middle East tensions. The conflict has disrupted oil supply chains, pushing up wholesale costs that directly affect pump prices.
What's happening
- Fuel prices surged when the conflict began on 28 February 2026.
- Crude oil prices jumped from $73 to $126 per barrel, the highest since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- Every $10 increase in oil price pushes up pump prices by roughly 7p per litre.
- Petrol prices peaked at 158.3p per litre and diesel at 191.5p per litre.
- Prices eased slightly on 16 April after 46 days of increases, but petrol has started rising again.
- On 5 May, petrol was 157.2p per litre and diesel 188.3p per litre.
- Wholesale petrol and diesel prices jumped by around 5p per litre last week, reaching their highest since the war began.
- Price changes in wholesale markets take about two weeks to appear at the pump.
Why it matters
- Higher fuel costs increase household energy and transport expenses.
- The UK relies on oil imports, with 35% of its total energy supply from oil.
- Fuel price volatility affects household budgets, especially for those using heating oil in rural areas.
- The government has launched a scheme to help compare fuel prices across UK petrol stations.
- Oil and gas facilities in the Gulf have been damaged, further disrupting supply.
- The Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil passes, remains effectively closed, keeping prices elevated.
Who is affected
- UK motorists filling up cars face higher petrol and diesel costs.
- Households using heating oil in Northern Ireland and rural areas see direct bill increases.
- Airlines and aviation fuel supply chains are monitoring potential disruptions.
- The UK government has provided a £53m support package for heating oil users.
- Energy bill impacts are currently shielded by the price cap until the end of June, but may rise in July if tensions persist.
What to do next
- Drivers can use the government's fuel price comparison scheme to find the lowest local prices.
- Households should monitor energy bill updates as the next price cap review approaches in July.
- Consider reducing non-essential travel and combining trips to manage fuel costs.
- For energy bill comparisons, explore tools that help switch to better deals where possible.
Sources
What's happening to UK petrol and diesel prices?
Key facts
- Fuel prices surged when the conflict began on 28 February 2026.
- Crude oil prices jumped from $73 to $126 per barrel.
- Every $10 increase in oil price pushes up pump prices by roughly 7p per litre.
- Petrol prices peaked at 158.3p per litre and diesel at 191.5p per litre.
- Prices eased slightly on 16 April after 46 days of increases.
- On 5 May, petrol was 157.2p per litre and diesel 188.3p per litre.
- Wholesale petrol and diesel prices jumped by around 5p per litre last week.
Key entities
- RAC: Motoring group reporting price trends.
- International Energy Agency (IEA): Suggested measures like working from home to reduce fuel use.
- UK government: Launched a fuel price comparison scheme and £53m support package.
- BBC Verify: Analyzed vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz.
Comparison and alternatives
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Fuel price comparison scheme | Government tool to compare local petrol and diesel prices |
| Heating oil support | £53m government package for rural households |
| Fixed energy tariffs | Protects households from short-term price rises |
FAQs
Q: How much have petrol and diesel prices increased since the conflict began? A: Petrol prices peaked at 158.3p per litre and diesel reached 191.5p per litre, with wholesale costs pushing up pump prices.
Q: Will fuel prices continue to rise? A: RAC head of policy said prices could keep rising if the conflict is not resolved, as wholesale prices remain elevated.
Q: Does the UK face a fuel shortage? A: Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the UK is not facing an immediate shortage of petrol, diesel, or jet fuel, though prices remain volatile.
Q: How does the Strait of Hormuz affect UK fuel prices? A: The Strait of Hormuz is a critical oil shipping route; its closure due to the conflict has disrupted supply and kept prices elevated.
What to do next
For households looking to manage rising energy and fuel costs, comparing energy supplier deals or switching to better-value plans can help reduce bills. Explore options to switch or compare energy tariffs through dedicated tools.
Key takeaways
- UK petrol and diesel prices have risen due to Middle East tensions.
- Wholesale oil costs directly affect pump prices.
- RAC reports prices could keep rising without a conflict resolution.
- Fuel price changes take about two weeks to reach consumers.
- The UK has no immediate fuel shortage, but prices remain volatile.