Petrol prices in the United Kingdom have reached their highest levels in over three and a half years, driven by ongoing disruptions linked to the oil crisis involving Iran. According to data from the RAC, the average price of petrol now stands at 160 pence per litre, up from 132.8 pence at the onset of the conflict in the Middle East on February 28. Since early July, prices have increased by 9.4 pence per litre, reversing hopes that the situation was stabilizing.

Diesel prices, while not at a record high, remain elevated with an average cost of 179 pence per litre. This is still 12.5 pence below the peak of 191.5 pence recorded on April 15, when supply concerns were at their most acute. The last occasion when petrol prices exceeded current values was November 2022.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams highlighted the financial impact on motorists, noting that filling a family-sized car with unleaded fuel now costs approximately £88. The rise poses challenges as the UK faces increased travel demand amid the summer holiday season. The AA’s Luke Bosdet emphasized the timing, stating that the fuel cost surge “comes at a very bad time” for the more than 20 million drivers expected to be on the road in the coming week.

To help mitigate the impact of rising prices, Bosdet recommended the use of price comparison tools, particularly those linked to the government’s Fuel Finder service, which enables drivers to identify the cheapest fuel options nearby.

The RAC Foundation has estimated that since the conflict began, UK motorists have collectively incurred an additional £5.5 billion in fuel costs. The ongoing volatility in oil markets related to geopolitical tensions remains a key factor influencing fuel prices in the country.