UK fuel prices hit £2 per litre as drivers have ‘never seen it this bad’ | UK | News
Signs on fuel pumps at the Asda Texaco petrol station in Clapham, south London. Some petrol pumps are witnessing “temporary shortages” due to tight supply linked to the conflict in the Middle East, the boss of Asda has warned. Picture date: Friday March 27, 2026. PA Photo. The UK’s second largest fuel retailer also rejected accusations that petrol sellers might be “profiteering” from higher pricing in recent weeks. Photo credit should read: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire (Image: PA)
Diesel prices have rocketed, with drivers voicing their concerns as they claim to have ‘never seen prices this bad’.
The conflict in the Middle East currently shows no signs of abating, and with the Strait of Hormuz remaining blocked, experts have cautioned that fuel prices could continue to spiral upwards.
Despite the Prime Minister urging motorists to stop panic-buying petrol, lengthy queues were still reported at forecourts across the country as drivers rushed to fill up.
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On Sunday, the cost per litre of diesel reached 181.2p – up 27 per cent from 142.4p when the war began on February 28. Petrol had also risen to an average of 152p per litre, an increase of 14 per cent.
However, The Sun discovered diesel priced at 199.9p a litre at three petrol stations.
Forecourt owners stated they have no control over the rises owing to the prices they are currently being charged.
Alan Hunter, 67, who owns Hope’s Garage in Penrith, Cumbria said: “It’s because of the price we have had to pay for it. We’re just a village filling station and not a big franchise and we cannot sell it at a loss.”
At R.E. Mills Motor Engineers in Rothley, Leicester, diesel cost 219.6p while unleaded was 195.6p a litre. Owner Ray Mills said: “I have to pay more for it from the supplier.
Diesel prices up 23% since start of Middle East conflict, figures show (stock image) (Image: Getty)
“I’m not making any more money and feel like apologising to customers although it is not my fault.”
Fuel costs appeared to ease slightly following the weekend, yet drivers have warned that should prices continue to climb, they may be forced to make significant adjustments to their everyday lives. Delivery driver Iain Collins, 57, said he would need to consider finding “a job closer to home” in response to the soaring costs.
Van driver Matthew Clarke, 29, expressed concern about his employer reducing his hours, adding: “I’ve never seen prices this bad.”
Experts have cautioned that should the conflict persist, these figures will deteriorate further. Luke Bosdet, the AA’s spokesman on pump pricing, warned that drivers could face paying £2.20 to £2.25 for diesel within weeks if hostilities continue.
Bosdet said: “If the average is £1.90 to £1.95 you can add 30p on for motorway service stations and in remote areas with less trade.
“The reason places are selling diesel for 199.9p per litre is because of the psychological barrier – you cannot overstate the importance of that £2 threshold. It is difficult to predict what is going to happen in the near future. If Donald Trump and the Iranians make peace, prices will go through the floor.”
