The RAC is warning drivers that petrol and diesel prices “are unfortunately likely to keep on rising” in the wake of the Iran conflict.
The motoring club says the situation for UK drivers is looking “increasingly bleak” with the average price of a litre of petrol up 5p to 137.5p and diesel up 9p to 151p since the current crisis began on Saturday 28 February.
“Unleaded is almost certainly going to reach an average of 140p in the next week or so while diesel looks highly likely to climb to at least 160p a litre,” commented RAC head of policy Simon Williams. “The price of diesel is increasing more quickly now than at any point since the start of the Ukraine conflict. With oil at a sustained $100, petrol could rise towards 150p a litre – a price not seen since June 2024. Diesel could reach almost 180p, which would be a three-year high.”
The RAC suggests drivers continue filling up as normal but to shop around. It points to its app that tracks fuel prices to find the best offer. It also says driving fuel efficiently by avoiding harsh accelerating and braking and ensuring tyres are inflated to the right pressures can help eke out every last mile and save money.
That advice was echoed by the AA, whose President Edmund King said in a statement: “Our suggestion is that drivers should not change their refuelling habits but can consider cutting out some non-essential journeys and changing their driving style to conserve fuel.”
(Graphic: RAC)
