Diesel prices hit three-year high - latest RAC statement and data

Following further rises in the price of fuel, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said:

“Given how many rely on their cars, households are really feeling the effects of the conflict in the Middle East. The average price of unleaded has now risen more than 14p a litre to 147.19p since the end of February, adding £8 to the cost of filling up a family car which currently stands at £81. Petrol was last this high in early June 2024.

"For drivers of diesel vehicles, the situation is far worse, with a litre up 29p to 171.17p, its highest price for more than three years (mid-January 2023). This means a tank now costs £94, £16 more than it did at the start of the conflict.

"As a barrel of oil has been trading well over $100 for the last three days and looks set to remain at that level, drivers are in for a rough ride at the pumps in the run-up to the Easter break with no end to price increases in sight. With the price of petrol likely to go above 150p a litre in the next week and diesel heading to 180p, it's looking like it will be the most expensive Easter on the roads since the early days of the war in Ukraine in 2022."