Brief
UK diesel hits £2 per litre as Middle‑East war drives up oil costs
Record diesel prices in the UK are linked to the Middle‑East war, US export restrictions and a G7 decision to release 100 million barrels of fuel.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Diesel prices in the United Kingdom have risen to a record £2 a litre, according to the RAC, as the war in the Middle East pushes global oil costs higher, Independent reported on 3 October 2026.
What happened
The price of a litre of diesel has risen 40.5 % since late February, when the United States launched strikes against Iran. The surge follows a jump in crude oil prices from about $60 a barrel at the start of the year to over $100 at various points, driven by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz – the main route for roughly 20 % of the world’s oil and gas.
What the reports add
Independent notes that the G7 has agreed to release 100 million barrels of diesel and crude oil over the next four months, with French President Emmanuel Macron saying the allies will “take no measures to restrict the exchange of energy and petroleum products between partner countries.” The outlet also cites a Kpler analysis showing that while crude shipments from the Middle East have partly recovered, refined diesel shipments remain below 20 % of pre‑war levels.
What was said
Dr Jonathan Owens, an operations and supply‑chain expert at the University of Salford, told Independent: “Diesel remains critical to the movement of goods… Any significant disruption to international diesel supplies can therefore quickly translate into higher transport and operating costs.” He added that higher diesel prices increase transport costs, pressuring business margins and ultimately consumers.
How it came about
The price spike follows the United States’ decision to consider a 90‑day ban on diesel exports, a move President Donald Trump has hinted at in response to rising European diesel costs. Earlier Felo coverage highlighted the UK transport minister’s claim that the nation’s diesel supply is robust and diverse, and reported on the G7’s plan to release strategic reserves to ease market pressure.
Key facts
- UK diesel price reached a record £2 per litre (independent.co.uk)
- Price rose 40.5 % since late February after US strikes on Iran (independent.co.uk)
- G7 agreed to release 100 million barrels of diesel and crude over four months (independent.co.uk)
- Crude oil price jumped from about $60 to over $100 per barrel in 2026 (independent.co.uk)
- Dr Jonathan Owens warned higher diesel costs will raise transport and consumer prices (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “What is happening with diesel – and should we be worried?”
