UK diesel briefly tops £2 a litre as petrol is up a third since February

Published 22 October 2026

RAC figures show petrol averaging 174.79p a litre on 9 October, up from 132.83p at the end of February, with diesel briefly rising above £2.

UK drivers are paying far more at the pumps than before the conflict involving Iran began at the end of February. According to RAC figures, unleaded petrol averaged 174.79p a litre on 9 October, a rise of about 31.6% from 132.83p. Diesel briefly rose above £2 a litre in October before dipping back below that level; the RAC puts it about 57p above its pre-conflict level, against about 42p for petrol.

Why diesel is hit hardest

Europe imports a lot of its diesel, and damaged refining capacity and shipping problems around the Strait of Hormuz hit diesel and jet fuel first. The previous record average for diesel was 199.05p, set on 25 June 2022.

What it means for drivers

The gap between stations in the same town is often 5p a litre or more, so comparing prices is the quickest way to save. See the cheapest petrol stations and today’s UK average prices.

Sources: Visordown – UK government urged to take action on fuel prices · PetrolPrices – Diesel at record high, 10p fuel duty cut call