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UK petrol prices reach highest level since Iran conflict began

Average petrol costs have risen above 163p per litre following the collapse of Middle East peace talks and sustained high wholesale crude prices.

The short version

  • UK average petrol prices have climbed to 163.6p per litre, marking the highest rate recorded since the Iran conflict began on 28 February.
  • The RAC warned that drivers are likely to experience further price hikes at the pump over the coming weeks as wholesale costs feed through.
  • Wholesale crude oil has risen following the breakdown of peace negotiations and the continued disruption of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • A previously scheduled 5p increase in UK fuel duty remains delayed until the end of December.

Key facts

  • The RAC reported that the UK average cost of petrol reached 163.6p per litre, while diesel rose to 184.99p per litre.[BBC News]
  • Wholesale Brent crude oil prices rose to around $94 a barrel following the collapse of peace talks, having previously fluctuated between roughly $70 and over $120 during the conflict.[BBC News]
  • The official UK markets regulator stated that it has found no evidence of fuel retailers altering pricing strategies to exploit the crisis.[BBC News]
  • In May, the UK government postponed a planned 5p fuel duty hike from September to the end of December due to the conflict.[BBC News]
  • Current fuel prices remain below the records set in summer 2022, when petrol reached 191.5p a litre and diesel hit 199p a litre.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • The extent and duration of future pump price increases remain uncertain as shipping conditions through the Strait of Hormuz and broader conflict negotiations remain unresolved.[BBC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.