The outlook for diesel drivers is ‘increasingly bleak’ as prices could hit 160p per litre

Britons are facing a challenging week at the pumps as the RAC warns that the outlook for drivers is “increasingly bleak” due to soaring fuel prices, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Since the conflict with Iran erupted on February 28, petrol prices have risen to 137.5p per litre, while diesel has jumped to 151p per litre.

Experts caution that diesel could rise to at least 160p per litre, marking its fastest increase since the Ukraine war.

Simon Williams, the RAC’s head of policy, stated that drivers may encounter “sharp local variations” in fuel prices and urged motorists to compare prices using apps like myRAC. He also recommended adopting fuel-saving habits, such as gentle acceleration, braking, and maintaining correct tyre pressures, to maximise efficiency.

With global crude oil prices exceeding $100 a barrel and supply threatened by ongoing conflicts in the Gulf region, analysts warn that UK households could soon face unprecedented fuel bills. This situation threatens affordability and adds further strain to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Average petrol and diesel prices have rocketed in the last week and are unfortunately likely to keep on rising, so the situation for UK drivers is looking increasingly bleak. Petrol is up 5p to 137.5p and diesel up 9p to 151p a litre since the current crisis began on Saturday 28 February.

“Unleaded is almost certainly going to reach an average of 140p in the next week or so while diesel looks highly likely to climb to at least 160p a litre. The price of diesel is increasing more quickly now than at any point since the start of the Ukraine conflict. With oil at a sustained $100, petrol could rise towards 150p a litre – a price not seen since June 2024. Diesel could reach almost 180p, which would be a three-year high.

“We encourage drivers to continue filling up as normal but to shop around for the best prices using apps like myRAC as there can be big local differences between forecourts. Driving fuel efficiently by avoiding harsh accelerating and braking and ensuring tyres are inflated to the right pressures can help eke out every last mile and save money.