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Petrol prices reach new peak amid Middle East conflict
The average cost of unleaded petrol in the UK has climbed to 158.52p per litre, marking the highest price since the Iran war erupted in late February, according to the RAC.
Conflict disrupts energy supplies
The surge in fuel prices followed the outbreak of hostilities on 28 February, which disrupted oil production and transport across the Middle East. Missile strikes and drone attacks forced many energy operations to halt or slow down, tightening global supply.
Recent trends and forecasts
Petrol prices last peaked at 158.31p per litre on 15 April before briefly dipping by over a penny. However, costs began rising again in early May. The RAC warns that unleaded petrol could reach 160p per litre in the coming weeks unless oil prices drop sharply and consistently.
Brent crude, the global benchmark for oil, is currently trading at around $111 per barrel-up from $73 before the conflict. This increase has directly pushed up prices at fuel stations.
Diesel prices also rise sharply
At the start of the conflict, the average price of unleaded petrol was 132.83p per litre, while diesel stood at 142.38p. Diesel has since surged to 185.92p per litre, though the RAC notes that wholesale diesel prices have fallen since their April peak.
"While diesel prices at the pump have dropped to their lowest since early last month, they should be much lower than they are. We urge retailers to pass on the savings they're making when buying new stock to drivers," said Simon Williams, RAC head of policy.
Simon Williams, RAC
Government fuel duty decision looms
The RAC highlighted that the latest price increase comes as the UK government considers whether to proceed with a planned 1p rise in fuel duty in September. This would have been the first step toward reversing the 5p cut introduced after the Ukraine war.
Williams suggested that maintaining the current duty rate of 52.95p per litre would ease pressure on drivers, citing RAC research showing financial strain from higher fuel costs. The Treasury has not commented on the speculation.
