Petrol and diesel prices are soaring across the UK as the conflict in the Middle East escalates.
UK drivers face higher fuel costs as Middle East conflict impacts global oil supply
Motorists in Cumbria and southern Scotland are already facing higher costs, with some fuel stop operators warning of potential shortages.
The surge comes amid fears that the war could severely disrupt global oil shipments, driving fuel prices higher and potentially increasing the cost of goods transported by road.
Robert Little, director of a truck fuel stop at junction 45 on the M6, told ITV: “I hope not, but I think we probably will, to be quite honest. I certainly don't want to be scaremongering. But prior to the war, there were big supply issues in the UK anyway. So I don't see this making things any better. I think it's very worrying for everybody – everything that you're buying is coming on the back of a lorry and the lorry needs fuel. So if there are fuel supply problems, they'll automatically be product supply problems. It just stands to reason.”
Since Saturday (28.02.26), petrol prices have risen nearly 2.5p to 135.20p per litre, while diesel has climbed more than 3p to 145.66p per litre. The AA warns that prices could fall back to early-year levels if the conflict stabilizes, but the outlook remains uncertain.
The spike is linked to the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route through which almost a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply passes. Trade has dropped sharply since the weekend, following attacks by Iran on passing ships. In response, US President Donald Trump suggested the US Navy could escort tankers through the strait to maintain supply.
UK officials say they are monitoring domestic oil and gas supplies to mitigate the impact, but global uncertainty means fuel costs could continue rising in the coming weeks.