Prices: Petrol 144.16p/L | Diesel 166.88p/L

UK fuel prices have surged again this week, with diesel recording another devastating 8.1p per litre increase. Petrol rose 3.9p as the Middle East conflict continues to strangle global oil supplies. Both fuels are now at their highest levels since the 2022 energy crisis.

A 50-litre tank of petrol now costs £72.08 – up £1.95 from last week. Diesel drivers are paying £83.44, a brutal £4.05 more than seven days ago.

This Week’s Prices

  • Petrol (ULSP): 144.16p per litre – up 3.9p this week
  • Diesel (ULSD): 166.88p per litre – up 8.1p this week

Diesel has now risen by more than 8p per litre for three consecutive weeks – an unprecedented run of increases that has pushed prices to levels not seen since the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Four Weeks of Relentless Rises

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

  • Petrol: Up 12.45p per litre (from 131.71p) – a 9.5% increase
  • Diesel: Up 25.42p per litre (from 141.46p) – an 18% increase

For a driver filling up weekly:

  • Petrol: £6.23 more per tank – £324 extra per year
  • Diesel: £12.71 more per tank – £661 extra per year

Year-on-Year: A Stark Reversal

Just two months ago, drivers were enjoying year-on-year savings of nearly 8p on petrol. That has completely reversed:

  • Petrol: Now 8.6p MORE expensive than March 2025
  • Diesel: Now 23.8p MORE expensive than March 2025

Diesel drivers are paying £11.90 more per 50-litre tank compared to this time last year. The annual comparison has swung by nearly 30p in just four weeks.

The Diesel Premium Hits Extreme Levels

The gap between petrol and diesel has now stretched to 22.72p per litre – more than double what it was a month ago. Diesel drivers are paying £11.36 more per 50-litre tank than petrol users.

The price breakdown shows the dramatic shift in wholesale costs:

  • Petrol base cost (pre-tax): 67.19p (up from 56.81p in mid-February)
  • Diesel base cost (pre-tax): 86.11p (up from 64.93p in mid-February)
  • Fuel duty: 52.95p (unchanged)
  • VAT at 20%: 24.03p (petrol) / 27.81p (diesel)

Diesel’s wholesale cost has surged by 21.18p in just five weeks – a 33% increase that dwarfs petrol’s 10.38p rise.

Supply Concerns Intensify

Energy experts have warned the UK could face fuel rationing if disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz continue. The waterway – through which 20% of the world’s oil typically flows – remains largely closed.

Shipping analysts suggest oil flows through the strait might only recover to 8-10% of normal levels even with military escorts. If the situation persists, the government may need to activate emergency contingency powers.

CMA Investigation Continues

The Competition and Markets Authority continues to investigate whether fuel retailers are overcharging drivers. With prices at some forecourts approaching 200p per litre while others remain below 150p, the variation between stations has never been wider.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves accused retailers of “price gouging” earlier this month. The CMA will examine whether there is evidence of “rocket and feather pricing” – where prices rise quickly but fall slowly.

What Drivers Must Do Now

With prices at crisis levels, every decision matters:

Shop around relentlessly – Price differences of 30-50p per litre mean potential savings of £15-25 per tank. Check CheckFuelPrices before every single fill-up.

Don’t panic buy – There is currently no shortage at UK forecourts. 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%. At these prices, that’s £20+ saved per tank.

Cut non-essential journeys – The AA has advised drivers to consider whether every trip is truly necessary while prices remain at these levels.

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

Where Prices Could Go Next

With oil still above $100 a barrel and the conflict showing no signs of resolution, further increases are expected. Analysts have warned:

  • Oil at $120/barrel: Petrol could reach 170p per litre
  • Oil at $140/barrel: Petrol could approach 190p per litre

And with the 5p fuel duty cut being reversed from August – adding a further 1p initially, rising to 5p by March 2027 – drivers face a challenging year ahead.

Find the Cheapest Fuel Near You

At these prices, shopping around isn’t optional – it’s 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.