Overview
- RAC data show the average diesel price rose to 199.18p per litre on Monday, narrowly eclipsing the June 2022 high and making a typical family car fill almost £110.
- Analysts and industry groups say the rise is driven by a run of international supply disruptions linked to the Russia–Ukraine war and renewed conflict in the Middle East that have cut exports and constrained tanker routes.
- Motoring and transport bodies warn higher diesel will quickly raise haulage and delivery costs, which are likely to be passed to consumers and could add upward pressure to inflation.
- Ministers say there is no national fuel shortage but have pointed to contingency tools in the updated National Emergency Plan for Fuel and signalled that short-term tax measures will be considered at the Budget.
- Local pump prices vary widely, with stations in Suffolk and Ipswich reporting diesel as low as about 186.9p to 189.9p per litre, underscoring how retail margins and retailer discounts are producing sharp local differences.