RAC data puts the average price at 199.18p per litre, above the previous June 2022 record.
According to RAC figures reported by the Press Association, the UK’s average diesel price reached a record 199.18p per litre, surpassing the June 2022 high. The reports link the increase to international supply disruptions and warn that higher transport costs could affect households, businesses and consumer prices. Fuel-duty policy beyond the end of the year is due to be addressed in the October 28 Budget.
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- Energy
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- ANALYSIS
- Published
- Sep 28, 2026, 05:17 PM
Verified facts: The supplied Press Association reports say the average UK diesel price reached 199.18p per litre on Monday, according to RAC figures. This exceeded the previous reported record of 199.09p per litre, set in June 2022. The reported price was 56.8p higher than the 142.38p-per-litre average on February 28, at the start of the US-Iran war described in the reports. Average unleaded petrol was reported at 174.13p per litre, up 41.3p over the same period.
The reports attribute the rise to disruptions affecting global fuel supplies, including reduced Russian diesel exports after attacks on oil refineries, and disruption to refined-oil trade linked to the conflict involving the US and Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. RAC policy head Simon Williams said the increase would affect households, businesses and the cost of goods and services. AA president Edmund King similarly said higher transport costs could be passed on to consumers and contribute to inflation.
The reports say 15.1 million diesel-fuelled vehicles were licensed in the UK at the end of June, including 9.8 million diesel cars. These figures were down from 15.7 million and 10.4 million respectively a year earlier. By comparison, 20.4 million petrol vehicles were licensed, including 18.8 million cars.
Interpretation: The evidence indicates that the diesel-price increase is likely to put direct pressure on drivers and operating costs for firms that depend on road transport. The potential effect on broader consumer prices is presented by the RAC and AA as a consequence of higher delivery and haulage costs; the supplied material does not independently quantify that effect.
The UK Government has extended the fuel-duty freeze until the end of the year. The reports say Chancellor John Healey is expected to announce decisions on fuel duty in the Budget on October 28. Motoring organisations are calling for the current 5p cut to be extended or increased, while Treasury minister Emma Reynolds said the Government had options to ease the burden.
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