Fuel prices in Northern Ireland have surged at the fastest rate across the United Kingdom since the onset of the conflict in Iran, according to recent data analysis. Petrol costs in the region have increased by 19% since late February, while diesel prices have climbed by 35%. These increases represent some of the most significant rises observed across Europe.

Filling a 50-liter vehicle tank averaged £75 for petrol and £91 for diesel at the beginning of April. This marks a substantial increase from £63 for petrol and £67 for diesel on February 28, the day military airstrikes against Iran commenced. Historically, Northern Ireland has enjoyed some of the UK's most competitive fuel prices due to factors such as robust market competition, a less dominant supermarket presence, and its connections to the Republic of Ireland. While prices in Northern Ireland still remain the lowest in the UK, the gap with other regions has significantly narrowed.

Across the broader United Kingdom, fuel prices continue an upward trend amid the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict. Nationally, average petrol prices have risen by 16% and diesel by 30% since the hostilities began.

Further analysis, incorporating Eurostat and UK government data, indicates that only seven other European countries have experienced larger percentage increases in petrol prices than Northern Ireland during this period. Austria, for instance, saw nearly a quarter increase in its petrol costs. A similar pattern emerged for diesel, with prices in Estonia jumping by as much as 44%.

Domestically, a new government initiative designed to track fuel prices, known as Fuel Finder, revealed that among English regions, the North has recorded the sharpest rise in petrol costs. Drivers in this area are now paying an average of 154 pence per liter, an increase of 17% from 132 pence per liter on February 28. Increases in rural and urban areas appear comparable; however, data highlights that over 100 service stations, predominantly in rural parts of England and Scotland, are charging between 180 pence and 210 pence per liter for petrol.

Simon Williams, head of policy at the motoring services firm RAC, noted the significant impact on consumers. He stated that petrol prices had not reached such levels since late October 2023, while the rise in diesel costs has been even more pronounced, escalating by nearly 9 pence in the past week alone.