Millions of British motorists heading off for summer holidays are being hit by a fresh squeeze at the pumps as rising oil prices and renewed Middle East tensions push petrol and diesel costs higher.
Fuel prices have begun climbing sharply after weeks of relief for drivers, with the RAC warning that increases are likely to continue as global energy markets react to escalating tensions between Iran and the United States.
Latest RAC Fuel Watch data shows average petrol prices have risen to 152.54p per litre, while diesel has reached 167p per litre — the highest levels seen for several weeks.
The increase marks a reversal from early July, when petrol briefly reached a three-month low. Since then, petrol has jumped around 2p per litre, while diesel has risen by approximately 2.5p.
For households already facing pressure from higher living costs, the timing could hardly be worse. Millions of families are preparing for summer journeys as schools close and holiday travel accelerates, leaving drivers exposed to another hit to household budgets.
The trigger has been a sharp move higher in crude markets.
Brent crude is now trading around $86 a barrel, up significantly from levels close to $70 at the start of the month, as fears grow that renewed conflict in the Middle East could disrupt global energy supplies.
The RAC warned that wholesale fuel costs are moving rapidly and could soon push prices back towards levels seen earlier in the summer.
“Sadly for drivers — many of whom will be about to depart for a much-needed summer break — prices at the pump are on the rise again,” said Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC.
“Unfortunately, RAC wholesale data analysis shows petrol is heading back to 155p a litre and diesel to over 170p.”
The warning comes as the UK’s roads prepare for one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
RAC analysis suggests more than 14 million drivers could take journeys this weekend as the summer holiday season begins. Friday alone is expected to see around 3.4 million trips, while Saturday’s “summer scramble” could bring 3.8 million motorists onto Britain’s roads.
The pressure is likely to be felt most by families travelling long distances. The RAC said drivers can reduce costs by using fuel comparison tools and shopping around, with a 2p-per-litre saving potentially cutting more than £1 from the cost of filling a typical family car.
But for many motorists, the wider trend remains worrying. Petrol is now almost 20p per litre more expensive than at the beginning of the Iran conflict, while diesel has climbed around 25p per litre since late February.
The latest fuel spike illustrates how quickly geopolitical shocks can filter through to household finances. After months of falling inflation and hopes of cheaper energy, Britain’s motorists are once again exposed to forces far beyond their control.
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