Drivers are being hit with a new high in fuel prices, experts say (Image: Getty)
Motorists are now being hit by a new high in fuel prices – meaning they’re now looking at more that £14 extra to fill up a tank. This morning the RAC gave the latest figures for the costs facing motorists.
The Strait of Hormuz is still closed to shipping – and US airstrikes started again, indicating that hopes of a peace deal are fading again. The RAC said: “The average price of petrol is now at an Iran War high of 159.43p which is 26.6p more expensive than it was on 28 February. Diesel is at 184.96p, having fallen 6.58p since it peaked on 15 April 191.54p – today is the first time it has been below 185p a litre since 1 April this year.
“A 55-litre tank of petrol for an average family size car now costs £87.69 which is £14.63 more expensive than it was on 28 February. The diesel equivalent is £101.73 – £23.42 more than it was at the start of the war.”
RAC head of policy Simon Williams described the recent rise as “bad news for drivers” and warned prices are set to become even more expensive.
He said: “RAC analysis of wholesale fuel data unfortunately indicates that unleaded is now likely to increase to at least 160p a litre in the coming weeks, unless there’s a dramatic and sustained drop in the price of oil which has been above 100 US dollars a barrel since late April.”
“It’s a more positive outlook for diesel as the wholesale price has reduced significantly since it peaked in early April.
“While the price of diesel at the pump has fallen nearly 6p to 185.92p – its lowest price since the start of last month – it should really be much lower than it is.
“We urge retailers to reflect the savings they’re benefitting from when buying new supply on the forecourt.”
As the war in Iran puts pressure on prices at home, the government stepped in with a tax cut for hauliers to keep shelves stocked and economy moving, extended the 5p fuel duty freeze to protect motorists at the pump, and emergency relief for families in rural communities who have been hit by a sharp increase in the price of heating oil.
|
Petrol |
Diesel |
Unleaded daily change |
Unleaded change – since 28/2 |
Unleaded % change since 28/2 |
Diesel daily change |
Diesel change – since 28/2 |
Diesel % change since 28/2 |
|
|
28/02/2026 |
132.83 |
142.38 |
+0.2 |
0 |
0.0% |
+0.2 |
0 |
0.0% |
|
15/04/2026 |
158.31 |
191.54 |
+0.01 |
+25.5 |
19.2% |
0.0 |
+49.2 |
34.5% |
|
22/05/2026 |
159.23 |
185.34 |
+0.28 |
+26.4 |
19.9% |
-0.20 |
+43.0 |
30.2% |
|
26/05/2026 |
159.43 |
184.96 |
+0.01 |
+26.6 |
20.0% |
-0.08 |
+42.6 |
29.9% |
The Government last week announced the 5p cut on fuel duty will be extended for the rest of the year. In total, by the end of this year the cut will have saved the average driver £120 since 2025, officials said.
The conflict has also pushed up costs for hauliers. The Chancellor gave them a 12-month road tax holiday – meaning they will pay £1 at renewal, saving £600 for a typical heavy lorry and £912 for the biggest vehicles on the road.
Farmers, rail freight, and other red diesel users will also see their fuel duty cut by over a third until the end of the year. This is the lowest rate in over 20 years, helping to keep the cost of doing business down at a difficult time when red diesel prices are around 50% more than their pre-crisis levels.
Since the start of the Iran conflict, the government has been clear that it will not make kneejerk decisions that could impact on financial stability. The package of support brought forward is timely and targeted.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “I’m keeping taxes down for drivers and businesses – putting money in the pockets of millions of workers and cutting costs for farmers and hauliers.
“The war in Iran is pushing up fuel prices here at home but after strong growth at the beginning of the year, I am stepping in to protect people at the pump
“By protecting households and businesses we are building a stronger and more secure economy for Britain. That is the right economic plan.”