Petrol climbs to 18-month high

With RAC Fuel Watch data showing the average price of petrol has hit an 18-month high, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said:

“Households, especially those that depend on the car, are under increasing financial pressure as a result of the conflict in the Gulf. The average price of a litre of unleaded has now risen by 6%, or nearly 8p, to 140.6p since the start of the conflict and is it at its highest in 18 months. Diesel has rocketed by 12% - or almost 17p - to 159.2p a litre, a price we’ve not seen since November 2023. Filling a family car is now £4 and £9 more than it was less than two weeks ago.

"The fact the cost of a barrel of oil has exceeded $100 and wholesale fuel prices continue to rise is concerning, but it’s the speed at which drivers are feeling the effects which is under the spotlight now. Drivers deserve - and should expect - to be treated fairly when it comes to filling up, especially with pump prices still heading north. We therefore hope the meeting between the fuel industry and government on this important issue is productive.

“We recommend drivers take advantage of free apps such as myRAC to ensure they always pay the lowest price possible when buying petrol or diesel."