Petrol and diesel drivers risk 'tightening supply' of UK fuel as fears grow around shortages

Felix Reeves
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:19:17 +0000

Petrol and diesel drivers could face further misery at the pumps as fuel prices show no signs of slowing down and the conflict in the Middle East rages on.

The latest data from RAC Fuel Watch shows that drivers are paying 153.68p for a litre of petrol, which is almost 21p higher than the price at the start of the Iran war on February 28.

Diesel drivers have been hit even harder at the pumps, with average costs of 184.2p, an enormous 30 per cent rise compared to the outbreak of war in the Middle East.

The price of Brent crude oil has fluctuated wildly in recent weeks, falling from $119 (£89) on March 31 down to $101 (£76).

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There have been fears that drivers will continue to deal with high costs over the coming weeks and months amid uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait is the world's most strategic chokepoint and carries more than 20 million barrels of oil and petrol products every day. However, for weeks, Iran has closed access to the Strait and even attacked ships passing through as the regime targets energy costs around the world.

Some forecourts have already been run dry across the UK, with experts warning that these trends could be exacerbated the longer tensions are high.

James Hitchman, Director of Portland Pricing, warned that the volatility of fuel supplies has been "compounded by reduced blending benefits" of petrol and diesel.

Typical diesel in pumps across the UK contains up to seven per cent of biodiesel, known as FAME, while suppliers adjust blending ratios to optimise costs.

Data from Portland Pricing shows that FAME prices have been largely stable, although mineral diesel prices have soared, causing margin issues for suppliers.

Mr Hitchman said: "This has restricted availability under contract pricing, pushing more volume into higher-priced spot markets.

"Attention is now turning to the potential secondary impacts of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. Although less than one per cent of the UK's oil supply is sourced directly from the Persian Gulf, global trade flows are highly interconnected.

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"Any disruption forces Asian, African and Australasian buyers to source alternative barrels, tightening supply into Europe and the UK."

Data from PetrolPrices.com shows that, when VAT is removed from the price of fuel, drivers would be paying 150.8p per litre, compared to 118p at the start of the war.

When compared with a wholesale increase of 41.3p per litre, this is equivalent to a 74 per cent rise, with many forecourts selling through existing fuel stocks.

Despite calls to slash the rate of fuel duty or VAT, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer maintained that the Government continues to monitor the fuel price situation.

Most expensive petrol prices

R.E.Mills Motor Engineers, Rothley, Leicester (LE7 7NU) - 195.6p

Phillips Tyres Castle Cary Ltd, Castle Cary, Somerset (BA7 7BD) - 189.9p

EG Rivington North and South PFS, Bolton, Greater Manchester (BL6 5UZ) - 186.9p

Witchampton Garage, Wimborne, Dorset (BH21 5AZ) - 185p

Shell Goose Green Service Station, Wigan, Greater Manchester (WN3 6XB) - 184.9p

Most expensive diesel prices

R.E.Mills Motor Engineers, Rothley, Leicester (LE7 7NU) - 219.6p

Bettyhill General Merchants, Thurso, Caithness (KW14 7SP) - 217p

Rothesay Motor Services, Rothesay, Isle of Bute (PA20 0DJ) - 209p

Scourie Filling Station Ltd, Lairg, Sutherland (IV27 4SX) - 205.7p

Uig Community Shop, Isle Of Lewis, Outer Hebrides (HS2 9JD) - 204.9p