Current Prices: Petrol 140.28p/L | Diesel 158.78p/L
Diesel Surges Nearly 10p in a Week as Fuel Crisis Deepens
UK fuel prices have recorded their most dramatic weekly increases since the 2022 energy crisis. Diesel has jumped a staggering 9.8p per litre in just seven days, while petrol rose 4.6p – punishing increases that are hitting drivers hard.
A 50-litre tank of petrol now costs £70.14 – up £2.30 from last week. Diesel drivers are paying £79.39, a brutal £4.90 more than seven days ago.
This Week’s Prices
- Petrol (ULSP): 140.28p per litre – up 4.6p this week
- Diesel (ULSD): 158.78p per litre – up 9.8p this week
The 9.8p weekly rise in diesel is extraordinary – the largest single-week increase in years. It reflects the severe impact of Middle East supply disruptions on diesel wholesale costs, which have jumped from 64.93p to 79.37p pre-tax in just three weeks.
Year-on-Year: The Savings Have Gone
Just a month ago, drivers were enjoying significant year-on-year savings. That has now completely reversed:
- Petrol: Now 2.3p MORE expensive than March 2025
- Diesel: Now 13.4p MORE expensive than March 2025
In mid-February, petrol was 7.9p cheaper than the previous year and diesel was 5.4p cheaper. Those savings have been wiped out entirely – and then some.
Three Weeks of Relentless Rises
Since the Middle East conflict began on February 28, prices have surged:
- Petrol: Up approximately 8.6p per litre (from 131.71p)
- Diesel: Up approximately 17.3p per litre (from 141.46p)
For a driver filling up weekly, that’s an extra £4.30 per tank on petrol – or £224 more per year. Diesel drivers are facing an additional £8.65 per fill, equivalent to £450 annually.
The Diesel Premium Hits Record Levels
The gap between petrol and diesel has now stretched to 18.5p per litre – nearly double what it was a month ago. Diesel drivers are paying £9.25 more per 50-litre tank than petrol users.
The price breakdown shows where the pain is concentrated:
- Petrol base cost (pre-tax): 63.95p
- Diesel base cost (pre-tax): 79.37p
- Fuel duty: 52.95p (unchanged)
- VAT at 20%: 23.38p (petrol) / 26.46p (diesel)
Diesel’s wholesale cost is now 15.42p higher than petrol’s – explaining the widening gap at the pumps.
Supply Concerns Mount
Energy experts have warned that the UK could face fuel rationing within weeks if disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz continue. The waterway – through which 20% of the world’s oil typically flows – remains largely closed.
Nick Butler, former head of strategy at BP, warned: “If this continues, there will be a real shortage of supply worldwide, including in the UK.”
For now, there is no shortage at UK forecourts. But with prices at these levels, making every tank count has never been more important.
CMA Investigating “Price Gouging”
The Competition and Markets Authority is investigating whether fuel retailers are overcharging drivers. Chancellor Rachel Reeves accused retailers of “price gouging” after some forecourts were found charging almost 180p per litre while others charged less than 130p.
That 50p per litre variation means shopping around could save you up to £25 per tank.
What Drivers Should Do
Shop around – Price differences between stations have never been wider. Check CheckFuelPrices before every fill-up.
Don’t panic buy – There is no shortage. Panic buying creates the very queues and empty pumps everyone fears.
Drive efficiently – Smooth acceleration, steady speeds, and proper tyre pressures can cut consumption by up to 30%.
Cut non-essential trips – The AA has advised drivers to consider whether every journey is necessary while prices remain elevated.
Check availability – Use our crowdsourced availability reports to find stations with fuel in stock.
What Happens Next?
With oil still above $100 a barrel and the conflict showing no signs of resolution, further price rises are expected. Experts have warned petrol could reach 150p and diesel could climb towards 170p if disruptions continue.
We’ll continue tracking prices daily. Check back next week for the latest update.