Key update on when UK petrol and diesel prices 'will start to fall'

Key update on when UK petrol and diesel prices 'will start to fall'Both fuels have shot up in price since the conflict in the Middle East began at the end of FebruaryCommentsMoneySteven Smith Content Editor12:44, 13 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesDiesel has shot up more than petrol(Image: richard johnson via Getty Images)The rise in fuel prices since the start of the Middle East conflict has nearly reached a standstill, new figures show. Average pump prices at UK forecourts increased for the 43rd consecutive day on Monday to reach 158.3p per litre for petrol and 191.5p per litre for diesel, the RAC said. But that means prices have increased by less than a penny since Thursday.‌Prices of both fuels shot up when the latest conflict began. A key reason was the stranglehold being put on the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway in terms of oil movements for global markets.‌A ceasefire that came into force last week between the US and Iran led to a drop in oil prices and hope that the relentless rises at UK pumps would begin to be reversed. However the truce has already proved to be volatile, sending oil prices back up in recent days. With US President Donald Trump threatening a blockade of the area from Monday, the outlook remains uncertain.‌View 3 ImagesUK drivers are facing pain at the pumps(Image: Getty Images)For now, at least, it does seem that continuous rises have slowed. What happens now will depend on how the conflict evolves in the coming days and weeks.‌RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “The increases have almost ground to a halt. With dated Brent crude under 100 US dollars a barrel for the last three trading days, there’s now scope to see prices finally starting to go the other way.“But, as always, it’s a highly volatile situation with much depending on what happens with the Strait of Hormuz.“And, if the oil price was to go well over 100 US dollars again this week, any hopes of slight forecourt reductions will inevitably disappear.”Article continues belowVi...