# UK diesel prices hit record highs amid inflation concerns > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-fuel-price-increases > Updated: 2026-09-27T08:26:07.000Z. Sources: 57. Developments: 4. Diesel prices in the United Kingdom have reached historic levels, with the national average hitting an all-time high of 199.18p per litre, surpassing the previous peak set in June 2022. A 55-litre fill-up for an average family car now costs approximately £110, representing a £31 increase since the onset of the US-Iran conflict in February. The surge is driven by global supply disruptions, including Middle East tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran affecting the Strait of Hormuz, and reduced Russian diesel exports following Ukrainian drone strikes on refineries. Volatility is further heightened by US President Donald Trump’s threat to ban diesel exports to prioritize domestic supply, a move that could exacerbate shortages for net importers like the UK, which relies on the US for roughly one-third of its diesel imports. With diesel reserves having fallen to approximately 42 days of cover, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is reviewing the National Emergency Plan for Fuel. Contingency measures under the Energy Act 1976 are being considered, which could include prioritizing emergency services and public transport for fuel access or potentially reducing the national speed limit to 50 mph to conserve supplies. While the RAC warns of rising costs for the transport, agriculture, and logistics sectors, political pressure remains. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has called for a 10p per litre reduction in fuel duty, while Chancellor John Healey has indicated that decisions regarding fuel duty may be addressed in the upcoming Budget on October 28. ## Claims - The average price of diesel in the UK reached a record high of 199.18p per litre. (corroborated by 18 sources) - The cost of filling an average family car with diesel is now approximately £110. (corroborated by 17 sources) - Unleaded petrol prices have reached an average of 174.13p per litre. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Diesel prices have risen by 56.8p per litre since the start of the US-Iran conflict on February 28. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The previous diesel price record was 199.09p per litre in June 2022. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The conflict in the Middle East and reduced Russian diesel exports due to Ukrainian drone strikes are driving fuel price increases. (corroborated by 7 sources) - US President Donald Trump has threatened to ban diesel exports to lower domestic prices. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Chancellor John Healey will announce decisions regarding fuel duty in the October 28 Budget. (corroborated by 5 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-27: UK diesel prices hit record high amid global supply tensions UK diesel prices have hit a record high of 199.18p per litre, driven by Middle East and Ukraine conflicts. The government is preparing contingency plans as diesel reserves fall to 42 days of cover. 43 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-diesel-prices-hit-record-high ### 2026-09-20: UK diesel prices approach historic highs amid inflation concerns Diesel prices in the UK are nearing record highs at €2.28 per liter, driving inflation up to 3.1% and sparking political calls for fuel duty reductions. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-diesel-prices-approach-historic-highs-amid-inflation-concerns ### 2026-09-16: UK fuel prices reach yearly highs amid rising petrol and diesel costs UK petrol and diesel prices have reached yearly highs, with average petrol at 170.54p and diesel at 192.86p per litre. Localized low prices are available in Norfolk and Nottingham. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-fuel-prices-reach-yearly-highs-amid-rising-petrol-and-diesel-costs ### 2026-09-13: UK fuel prices surge as diesel exceeds £2 per litre Diesel prices in parts of the UK, including Essex and the Isle of Wight, have surged past £2 per litre due to rising oil costs driven by Middle East tensions. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-fuel-prices-surge-as-diesel-exceeds-2-per-litre --- Cite as: UK diesel prices hit record highs amid inflation concerns. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-fuel-price-increases