UK diesel hits an all-time high: what the record means for drivers

The new diesel average edged past the previous high of 199.09p from June 2022. RAC head of policy Simon Williams called it “new uncharted territory” and a financial blow to households and businesses that use their vehicles regularly.

Since 28 February 2026, diesel has risen by about 56.8p a litre (nearly 40%). Filling a typical family diesel car now costs almost £110, about £31 more than at the start of the US/Iran conflict. Petrol is up about 41.3p a litre over the same period.

Williams said the record “spells pain not only at the pumps for drivers, but for everyone who buys goods or services that rely on diesel lorries and vans.” Higher haulage costs tend to pass through to consumers. Pump relief needs a sustained lower oil price over weeks, not days.

Full figures and daily tables: Price of diesel reaches record high on the RAC Media Centre.

Diesel drivers feel the fill first. Van and lorry operators feel it next, which is how shelf prices and delivery charges catch everyone else. Even petrol drivers are still watching a climbing average.

You cannot unwind wholesale oil from the driveway. You can stop stacking avoidable costs on top: overpaying at the nearest pump, sleepwalking into insurance auto-renewal, missing MOT or tax deadlines, or skipping simple pre-test checks that turn into retests.

• Check local pump prices before you fill, not after. In the Motorbook app you can see fuel prices near you, so you can pick a cheaper forecourt before you uncap the tank.
• Open insurance quotes if renewal is within the next month or so.
• Walk the car for bulbs, tyres, wipers and warning lights if an MOT is due soon.
• Confirm MOT and tax dates so a fine does not join the fuel bill.

For a fuller checklist of fourteen practical cuts (fuel shopping, insurance timing, breakdown cover, parking appeals, EV tariffs and more), see our companion guide: 14 ways to cut UK car running costs.