Drivers face a sharp increase at the pumps as unleaded petrol rose by 0.6p over the weekend to an average of 157.81p per litre, while diesel climbed to above 175p per litre, now standing at 175.71p, according to RAC figures.
RAC warns of 'grim' outlook for motorists
Simon Williams, RAC head of policy, described the outlook for drivers as “pretty grim”. He stated: “It looks highly likely now that petrol will hit 160p a litre – its highest level since the United States/Iran conflict began – and diesel 180p by the end of this week, off the back of an elevated oil price.” Williams attributed the faster rise in diesel prices to the UK’s heavy reliance on diesel imports and increased demand for US diesel. He explained: “The price drivers pay at the forecourt depends heavily on the global oil price, which has been rising following the end of the ceasefire.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham addresses fuel crisis
New Labour Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke out on the Iran and US conflict, which has contributed to rising oil prices. In his final interview, outgoing PM Sir Keir Starmer advised Burnham not to neglect international affairs: “It’s not sensible to think you can just separate these two things out. If you’re PM and you care what bills are going to be like in any household around the country, you have to care about finding a lasting solution to the situation in Ukraine, you have to care about what happens in the strait of Hormuz.”
Burnham affirmed he would defend national interests and, if necessary, publicly voice differences with US President Donald Trump. He stated: “You have to defend your own national interest before anything else. That’s what you’re required to do if you’re to do this job properly.” He also expressed concern over Trump initiating the conflict with Iran, saying he “wouldn’t hold back from saying what I think is right”.
Government stance on Iran action
Health Secretary Wes Streeting, speaking on Sky News’ Sunday with Trevor Phillips, confirmed he had told US counterpart Pete Hegseth that the UK does not support offensive action in Iran. Streeting said: “I was clear that we have not supported offensive action in Iran and we won’t support offensive action in Iran. But there are plenty of things that we can and should do together.”
Advice for drivers
Williams urged drivers to use free apps like myRAC to find the cheapest fuel locally. He noted that a short-term pause in hostilities between the countries is unlikely to quell oil prices, and sustained drops over several weeks are needed for pump prices to ease.
