[REVISION HISTORY]

UK diesel prices hit record highs amid inflation concerns

Updated 8 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-29 05:41 UTC → 2026-09-29 07:19 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.~~ UK, which relies on the US for roughly one-third of its diesel imports. With diesel reserves having fallen to ~~roughly~~ 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.

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