Petrol drivers are facing extra charges of 26p per litre when filling up their cars, as the ongoing Iran war continues to drive up fuel costs. UK petrol prices have now reached their highest level since the conflict began.
Data shows the average price of a litre of petrol stands at 159.43p – 26.6p more expensive than it was on 28 February. Meanwhile, diesel is at 184.96p, having fallen 6.58p since peaking at 191.54p on 15 April. On Tuesday, the diesel price dipped below 185p for the first time since 1 April.
According to motoring group the RAC, a 55-litre tank of petrol for an average family car now costs £87.69 – £14.63 more than on 28 February. The diesel equivalent is £101.73, a staggering £23.42 more than at the start of the war.
Expert warnings on economic impact
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said: “This is another unwelcome milestone for millions of motorists as the financial pain caused by the war in the Persian Gulf continues to mount up. As ministers themselves have warned, the economic effects of the conflict could last for months even after it has ended.”
He added: “The owners of diesel vehicles have borne the largest brunt of the pump price hikes, many of whom will be commercial users with little choice but to pass on their costs to their customers. Whether we are drivers or not, we all end up feeling the pinch from sky-high forecourt fuel prices.”
Business concerns and advice for drivers
William Bain, head of trade policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The impact of the Iran conflict is being directly felt by firms the length and breadth of the UK. Higher energy bills, shipping disruption and the rising cost of raw materials are daily concerns for business. The economic reverberations will be felt for many months to come. The geopolitical kaleidoscope has been shaken and there’s no quick fix.”
An AA spokesman advised drivers: “Use the price tracking available on mobile phone and other apps to find the cheaper fuel stations. These are getting regular price updates from the government’s Fuel Finder scheme. There is a lot of price variety out there if people look – and the cheaper fuel is not always where you think it is. For instance, fuel stations on busy routes may price low to pull in passing trade.”
