UK Drivers Face Overnight Fuel Price Surge
Motorists across the United Kingdom woke up to significantly higher fuel costs on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, as prices jumped overnight. According to the latest figures from the RAC, diesel has risen by 2p per litre, reaching 175p, up from 173p the previous day. Meanwhile, petrol prices have increased to 149p per litre, marking a 16 per cent rise since the end of February.
RAC Analysis and Expert Commentary
Rod Dennis, a spokesperson for the RAC, highlighted the impact of ongoing global conflicts, stating, "Diesel prices are now nearly up a quarter since the current conflict with Iran began." This surge reflects a 12 per cent increase in diesel prices over the same period as petrol. Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, provided further insight, noting that the average price of diesel jumped by nearly 3p a litre since Monday, reaching 173.83p. He explained, "This means it's now gone up 31.5p since 28 February, a 22% increase. Petrol also shot up by 1.4p to 148.55p a litre, its biggest daily increase since 3 March. Petrol has now risen 15.7p a litre, or 11.8%."
Projected Price Increases and Financial Impact
Looking ahead, Williams warned that diesel is likely to break the 180p-per-litre mark in the coming week. If it reaches 182p, the cost of filling a tank for a family car could exceed £100. Similarly, if petrol climbs to 150p, as seems inevitable, a full tank would cost around £82.50. These projections underscore the growing financial burden on UK drivers amid rising fuel costs.
Regional Price Variations: Most and Least Expensive
The RAC data reveals stark regional differences in fuel prices across the UK. For petrol, the most expensive locations include:
- Steisean Connaidh Chrosabol, Crossapol, Inner Hebrides (PA77 6UP) - 192p
- Asda Cherwell Valley Express Petrol, Bicester, Oxfordshire (OX27 7RD) - 180.9p
- Asda Tamworth Express Petrol, Tamworth, Staffordshire (B77 5PS) - 180.9p
- Leslies Service Station, Cowes, Isle of Wight (PO31 8PG) - 178.9p
- Asda Bothwell Express Petrol, Bothwell, South Lanarkshire (G71 8BG) - 178.9p
In contrast, the least expensive petrol prices are found at:
- Welcome Break Newport Pagnell Services, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire (MK16 9EZ) - 127p
- Costco Wholesale Birmingham, Nechelles, Birmingham (B7 5SA) - 135.9p
- Costco Wholesale Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire (S9 4WU) - 135.9p
- Costco Wholesale Oldham, Oldham, Greater Manchester (OL9 8AU) - 135.9p
- Costco Wholesale Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire (LS10 1BG) - 135.9p
For diesel, the most expensive prices include:
- Steisean Connaidh Chrosabol, Crossapol, Inner Hebrides (PA77 6UP) - 225.6p
- Tongue Filling Station, Lairg, Sutherland (IV27 4XL) - 211.2p
- Bervie Stores Ltd, Lairg, Sutherland (IV27 4RP) - 201p
- Hopes Garage Limited, Penrith, Cumbria (CA10 1ND) - 199.9p
- Moduron Y Bala Ltd, Bala, Gwynedd (LL23 7AE) - 198.9p
The least expensive diesel prices are at:
- Turnpike Garage Ltd, Melksham, Wiltshire (SN12 6RE) - 153.9p
- Costco Wholesale Coventry, Coventry, West Midlands (CV4 9AQ) - 158.9p
- Atherstone Superstore - Petrol Filling Station, Atherstone, Warwickshire (CV9 1BU) - 159.9p
- Tesco Harrogate, Harrogate, North Yorkshire (HG1 3DW) - 159.9p
- Barnes Express, Richmond Upon Thames, London (SW13 9EW) - 159.9p
These variations highlight the importance of location for drivers seeking to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs.
