Story perspectives

UK diesel hits record 199.18p after supply shocks

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 3:03 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Diesel prices in the United Kingdom hit a record 199.18 pence per litre on 28 September 2026.
The surge stems from US-Iran war disruptions, Russia’s export ban, and President Donald Trump’s contemplated U.S. diesel export ban.
RAC policy chief Simon Williams warned the higher price will be passed to consumers and hurt diesel-dependent businesses.
Diesel has risen 59 pence per litre (?40 %), making a car fill cost about £110, £31 more.

History

Historical Context

During the 1973 oil shock, OAPEC’s embargo forced the United Kingdom—still reliant on imported oil because North Sea fields began production only in 1975—to confront soaring fuel costs, with diesel prices jumping from 12 to 20 pence per litre, a 70 % rise, and a 15-million-tonne consumption drop. Prime Minister Edward Heath’s push for coal sparked miners’ strikes that helped topple his government in early 1974.

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Story summary

Diesel prices in the United Kingdom hit a record 199.18 pence per litre on 28 September 2026.
The surge stems from US-Iran war disruptions, Russia’s export ban, and President Donald Trump’s contemplated U.S. diesel export ban.
RAC policy chief Simon Williams warned the higher price will be passed to consumers and hurt diesel-dependent businesses.
Diesel has risen 59 pence per litre (?40 %), making a car fill cost about £110, £31 more.

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