UK Diesel Prices Hit Record High of 199.18p

Diesel prices in the United Kingdom reached an all-time high average of 199.18p per litre on September 28, 2026, surpassing the previous record from June 2022. The Royal Automobile Club reported that the cost to fill an average family car has risen to nearly £110, representing a £31 increase since the US-Iran conflict began in February. Petrol prices also rose to an average of 174.13p per litre.

Global supply constraints are driving the surge. The conflict between the United States and Iran has disrupted oil transportation through the Strait of Hormuz, while Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries prompted Russia to implement a diesel export ban. In response to these soaring costs, U.S. President Donald Trump is considering a diesel export ban and has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to halt refinery strikes.

The Royal Automobile Club has called on the UK government to expand fuel duty discounts or reduce VAT to alleviate the financial burden. Simon Williams, Head of Policy at the RAC, warned that these increased costs will be passed on to consumers and will impact anyone who buys goods or services relying on diesel transport.