Overview
- Fuel analysis by the RAC shows diesel has reached a record 200.01p per litre, pushing the cost to fill an average family diesel car to about £110.
- Drivers in towns such as Bolton report spending tens of pounds more each month and many say they are now cutting or questioning everyday journeys.
- Businesses with large fuel needs say bills have jumped sharply, with one local haulier reporting a roughly £20,000 rise in monthly fuel spend and warning some costs may be passed to customers.
- The RAC calculates a 45mpg diesel car now costs about 20p per mile and roughly £2,020 a year for 10,000 miles, and it is urging the government to lower fuel duty or reduce VAT.
- Analysts and officials point to tighter refined-fuel availability from Middle East and Russia–Ukraine supply shocks and Brent crude trading above $100 as the main drivers of rising wholesale and pump prices.