Current Prices: Petrol 154.65p/L | Diesel 186.75p/L

UK fuel prices have hit new extremes, with diesel surging past 186p per litre and petrol breaking through 154p. Diesel recorded another double-digit weekly increase of 10.2p, while petrol jumped 5.9p – the highest weekly rises since the peak of the 2022 Ukraine crisis.

A 50-litre tank of petrol now costs £77.33 – up £2.95 from last week. Diesel drivers are paying a staggering £93.38, an extra £5.10 in just seven days.

This Week’s Prices

  • Petrol (ULSP): 154.65p per litre – up 5.9p this week
  • Diesel (ULSD): 186.75p per litre – up 10.2p this week

Diesel has now recorded double-digit weekly increases for five consecutive weeks – an unprecedented and sustained surge that shows no sign of slowing.

Six Weeks of Devastation

Since the Middle East conflict began on February 28, prices have exploded:

  • Petrol: Up 22.94p per litre (from 131.71p) – a 17% increase
  • Diesel: Up 45.29p per litre (from 141.46p) – a 32% increase

For a driver filling up weekly:

  • Petrol: £11.47 more per tank – £596 extra per year
  • Diesel: £22.65 more per tank – £1,178 extra per year

Diesel drivers are now paying nearly £1,200 more annually than they were just six weeks ago.

Year-on-Year: Historic Increases

The year-on-year comparison has reached staggering levels:

  • Petrol: Now 19.4p MORE expensive than April 2025
  • Diesel: Now 44.2p MORE expensive than April 2025

Diesel drivers are paying £22.10 more per 50-litre tank compared to this time last year. The 44.2p year-on-year increase is the largest differential seen since records began.

The Diesel Premium Reaches Record Levels

The gap between petrol and diesel has now stretched to 32.10p per litre – more than triple what it was before the crisis began. Diesel drivers are paying £16.05 more per 50-litre tank than petrol users.

The price breakdown reveals the scale of wholesale cost increases:

  • Petrol base cost (pre-tax): 75.93p (up from 56.81p in mid-February)
  • Diesel base cost (pre-tax): 102.67p (up from 64.93p in mid-February)
  • Fuel duty: 52.95p (unchanged)
  • VAT at 20%: 25.78p (petrol) / 31.12p (diesel)

Diesel’s wholesale cost has now surpassed £1 per litre for the first time – up a staggering 37.74p (58%) in just seven weeks. Petrol’s wholesale cost has risen 19.12p (34%) over the same period.

The Cost of Filling Up

Fuel Type Price per Litre 50L Tank Cost Change Since Feb 28 Annual Extra Cost
Petrol (ULSP) 154.65p £77.33 +£11.47 +£596
Diesel (ULSD) 186.75p £93.38 +£22.65 +£1,178

What’s Driving the Surge?

The Strait of Hormuz – through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil flows – remains severely disrupted as the Iran conflict continues into its sixth week. Oil prices have remained above $100 a barrel throughout the crisis, with sustained trading above $110 in recent weeks.

Diesel has been hit harder due to:

  • Greater reliance on Middle Eastern refining capacity
  • Higher global demand for diesel in freight and shipping
  • Europe’s significant dependence on diesel imports
  • Wholesale diesel costs now exceeding £1 per litre

Government Response

The Competition and Markets Authority continues its investigation into fuel retailer pricing practices. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has met with fuel companies amid accusations of “price gouging” and concerns about “rocket and feather” pricing.

Contingency plans for fuel rationing remain in place, though the government has not yet activated emergency powers under the Energy Act 1976. The National Emergency Plan for Fuel sets out priority access for emergency services, utilities, public transport, and commercial vehicles before private motorists.

How to Cope With Record Prices

At these extreme prices, every action matters:

Shop around aggressively – Price differences of up to 50p per litre mean potential savings of £25 per tank. Check CheckFuelPrices before every single fill-up.

Reduce speed by 10% – The AA estimates diesel drivers can save up to £10 per tank by adapting their driving style. Drive at 63mph instead of 70mph on motorways.

Anticipate the road ahead – Avoid harsh braking by looking ahead for traffic lights and roundabouts. Smooth deceleration saves significant fuel.

Check tyre pressures – Under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%.

Cut non-essential journeys – At nearly £94 per diesel tank, every unnecessary trip is expensive.

Check availability – Use our crowdsourced availability reports to find stations with fuel and avoid wasted trips.

Where Prices Could Go Next

With the conflict showing no signs of resolution, further increases remain possible. Analysts have warned that if oil reaches $130-140 per barrel, petrol could approach 170-180p and diesel could exceed 200p per litre.

Additionally, the 5p fuel duty cut is being reversed from August – adding a further 1p initially, rising to 5p by March 2027.

Find the Cheapest Fuel Near You

At these prices, shopping around is essential. Use CheckFuelPrices to compare prices at stations near you. Our data comes directly from the government’s Fuel Finder Scheme, updated within 30 minutes of any price change.

We’ll continue tracking prices daily. Check back next week for the latest update.