RAC statement on impact of Gulf situation on UK pump prices

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Following events in the Middle East and reflecting on the possible impacts on UK drivers, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said:

“While the conflict in the Middle East undoubtedly has the potential to push up pump prices in the UK, it’s not a certainty. The oil price would have to rise significantly and stay that way for some time to have a dramatic effect.

"Forecourt prices were already on the rise due oil trading nearer to $70 a barrel in the last few weeks. Regardless of the current situation, petrol rose by a penny a litre in February and is likely to go up by another penny in the next week or so to an average of 134p a litre.

“If oil were to climb to and stay at the $80 a barrel mark, then drivers could expect to pay an average of 136p for petrol. At $90, we’d be looking at over 140p a litre and $100 would take us nearer to 150p, but it’s all too soon to know.”

Current average UK pump prices according to RAC Fuel Watch: petrol 132.83p, diesel 142.38p

Link to RAC Fuel Watch for more pricing analysis

 

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