Motorists are being urged to shop around for the cheapest fuel after petrol prices saw the fastest rise in recent years.
Motorists advised to compare petrol prices
The increase comes as oil markets react to the escalating Israel-US conflict with Iran, marking the biggest jump in pump prices since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which triggered a global surge in energy costs.
The price of diesel rose by 2p in a single day, reaching 155.1p per litre, and has surged by almost 13p - around 9% - since February 28. That puts diesel at its highest level since May 2024.
The RAC's head of policy said the increase is already placing pressure on motorists' budgets.
He said: “Drivers are continuing to feel the financial impact of the current conflict, with the average cost of unleaded up another penny in the last 24 hours to 139p a litre.
“But it’s those who depend on diesel who are really bearing the brunt, with the fuel up another 2p to 155.1p. Diesel has now increased by nearly 13p, or 9%, since 28 February and is at its highest price since May 2024.”
The organisation added that prices could climb further if current trends persist.
“If oil were to settle at around the $90 a barrel mark and the pound were to maintain its current position against the US dollar, drivers in the UK could expect average petrol prices to reach around 140p a litre, and diesel around 167p a litre.”
With fuel costs rising again, motorists are being encouraged to compare prices before filling up, as differences between forecourts can be significant.
“We urge drivers to shop around and make use of free apps such as myRAC to ensure they never pay any more for fuel than they need to.”