Brief

UK diesel prices hit record 199.18p per litre amid Russia‑Ukraine war and Middle East tensions

The average price of a litre of diesel in the UK rose to 199.18p, the highest level ever recorded, as supply disruptions from the Russia‑Ukraine war and Middle East hostilities push fuel costs up.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:52:24 GMT

The average price of a litre of diesel in the United Kingdom reached 199.18p on Monday, according to RAC data compiled from supermarkets, motorway service stations and independent retailers. The figure represents the highest diesel price ever recorded in the UK, surpassing the previous record of 199.09p set in June 2022.

Drivers of the price rise

RAC figures attribute the surge to a combination of supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and renewed hostilities in the Middle East. Russian diesel exports have fallen sharply after Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries, including a key facility near Moscow that was damaged earlier in the month as part of a large drone operation. The reduction in Russian supply has increased demand for diesel from other exporting countries, driving wholesale prices higher.

At the same time, the war between the United States and Iran continues to disrupt global trade in refined oil. Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has limited the production and supply of fuel needed by consumers, further tightening the market.

Impact on consumers and businesses

Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, warned that the price climb would be a financial blow to households and businesses that rely on diesel vehicles. He noted that the cost of filling an average family car now approaches £110, £31 more than at the start of the US‑Iran conflict. Williams added that the increased costs would likely be passed on to consumers through higher prices for goods and services that depend on diesel lorries and vans.

Vehicle fleet changes

Department for Transport figures show that the number of diesel‑fuelled vehicles licensed on UK roads fell to 15.1 million at the end of June, down from 15.7 million a year earlier. Diesel cars accounted for 9.8 million of that total, a decline from 10.4 million. In contrast, petrol vehicles remained high, with 20.4 million licensed, including 18.8 million cars.

Related fuel price trends

The rise in diesel prices mirrors a broader trend of record fuel costs across Europe. Earlier this month, EU fuel prices reached new highs driven by crude oil price increases and shipping cost spikes linked to Middle East conflict and Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries. European leaders have responded with tax cuts and targeted aid to ease the burden on consumers.

Key facts

Average UK diesel price rose to 199.18p per litre on Monday (standard.co.uk)
Previous UK diesel record was 199.09p in June 2022 (standard.co.uk)
Russian diesel exports fell after Ukrainian attacks on refineries (standard.co.uk)
Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global fuel supply (standard.co.uk)
Department for Transport reported 15.1 million diesel‑fuelled vehicles licensed at end of June 2026 (standard.co.uk)

Background

Felo News previously reported on rising diesel prices in the United States, noting a jump to $6.50 per gallon and the impact on schools, farmers and small businesses. The UK price increase follows a similar global trend of fuel price spikes driven by supply disruptions from geopolitical conflicts.

Why it matters

Record diesel prices increase transportation costs for households and businesses, potentially leading to higher prices for goods and services that rely on diesel logistics.