Britain's average diesel price has surged to nearly 183 pence per litre, rising by 40 pence in less than a month since the conflict in the Middle East began on February 28. Petrol prices have also climbed sharply to around 153 pence per litre. The increase has pushed the cost of filling a typical family diesel car beyond 100 pounds for the first time since December 2022, adding significant pressure on households and businesses.

The spike has been driven by soaring global oil prices after Iran tightened control over tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysis suggests the crisis has already cost drivers in the United Kingdom hundreds of millions of pounds in additional fuel expenses. Supermarket and non-supermarket price gaps have widened, and diesel prices are expected to rise further if oil costs continue climbing.

The Government has outlined emergency measures that could be activated in the event of a severe fuel shortage, including prioritising supplies for emergency workers and critical services, limiting public fuel purchases, and allocating crude oil imports. Ministers insist petrol stations remain well stocked nationally and that rationing is not currently anticipated. However, officials are preparing contingency plans as global tensions continue to disrupt energy markets.