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[BUSINESS] · United Kingdom, Australia · 6 sources

started · updated

Part of situation: Fuel excise discount ends, prices surge, diesel surplus (26 clusters)

Fuel price surge hits UK and Australia, prompting fleet concerns

fuel price surge UK Australia fleet concerns excise discount

Petrol and diesel prices in the United Kingdom have risen sharply, with the RAC reporting a litre of petrol at 161.47 pence and diesel at 181.45 pence – levels not seen since the 2022 post‑Ukraine‑invasion price spike. Fleet operators, such as Paul Golding of FleetCheck, warn that the sustained rise could lead to fuel rationing and threaten business viability.

In Australia, the removal of fuel excise discounts and higher global oil prices have pushed the national average price of unleaded petrol from $1.82 to $2.09 per litre in July. Despite the increase, Motor Trades Association of Australia executive Bruce Billson says there has been no panic buying or heightened tension at service stations. The government reports steady supplies, with reserves of 43 days of petrol, 39 days of diesel and 34 days of jet fuel, and Energy Minister Chris Bowen is set to provide a detailed update on Saturday.

Entities

Australia · Bruce Billson · Chris Bowen · Paul Golding · United Kingdom

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Petrol price in the United Kingdom reached 161.47 pence per litre.
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] UK fleet operators fear possible fuel rationing due to high fuel costs.
  • [DISPUTED] Australia scrapped fuel excise discounts in July 2026. www.perthnow.com.au · theqldr.com.au
  • [● 2 SOURCES] Australia holds 43 days of petrol, 39 days of diesel and 34 days of jet fuel reserves. www.perthnow.com.au · theqldr.com.au
  • [● 2 SOURCES] Australian petrol price rose from $1.82 to $2.09 per litre in July 2026. www.perthnow.com.au · theqldr.com.au
  • [● 2 SOURCES] Energy Minister Chris Bowen will announce a fuel supply update on Saturday. www.perthnow.com.au · theqldr.com.au
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Diesel price in the United Kingdom reached 181.45 pence per litre.
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] No panic buying or heightened tension observed at Australian service stations despite fuel price rise. www.perthnow.com.au

Sources

Petrol and diesel drivers told to be 'optimistic' as fuel prices could fall soon [www.gbnews.com]
Massive decrease in fuel prices expected [www.theportugalnews.com]
September's diesel prices could jump by more than R3/l - Stuff South Africa [stuff.co.za]
No panic buying or bowser rage despite fuel price surge [theqldr.com.au]
No panic buying or bowser rage despite fuel price surge [www.perthnow.com.au]
Panic buying subsides as fuel prices march higher [7news.com.au]