Petrol prices hit new record high since start of Iran war as millions of drivers face fuel station misery

Petrol prices have soared to a new peak since the start of the Iran war, as drivers across the UK face soaring fuel prices and experts warn this could continue over the coming weeks.

Fresh data from RAC Fuel Watch shows that motorists are now paying an average of 159.97p per litre for unleaded petrol.

Prices today (July 31) now surpass those last seen on May 28 when the average UK forecourt was charging 159.53p, in a grim milestone for millions of motorists.

On average, petrol prices are rising by 0.42p per day, while costs are now 27.1p per litre more expensive than they were at the start of the Iran war on February 28.

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Petrol car owners are now expected to pay 20.4 per cent more per litre than they were at the start of March, adding almost £15 to an average 55-litre tank to £88.

Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said this was "very unwelcome news" for motorists who relied on their petrol cars to get around.

The price hike is even more stark when considering that prices fell to an Iran war-low just three weeks ago on July 6, when they were 150.59p per litre.

He said: "The wholesale price of petrol eased very slightly this week but is not enough to make a difference at the pumps."

Oil prices have fluctuated wildly over the last week as tensions between Iran and the United States eased somewhat before a barrage of attacks on key strategic positions and ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media reported earlier today that it had launched strikes against US targets in Kuwait in retaliation for attacks against Iran, including the strategically important Qeshm Island.

Earlier this week, the price of oil soared above $100 (£74) for the first time in several months, although it has since dropped to just under $90 (£67).

Diesel drivers are also facing difficulties at the pumps, with average costs rising to 179p per litre, as costs rise by 0.66p every day.

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While record diesel prices are unlikely for the time being, motorists are paying a 36.6p Iran war premium on their fuel since the start of the conflict.

Mr Williams added: "Diesel has now shot up 14.5p since its low point on 9 July to 179p but fortunately is still 12.5p below its conflict high of 191.54p on 15 April.

"Diesel looks set to keep on rising and is likely to reach 185p a litre in the next few weeks, barring any major oil price reduction."

GB News has rounded up the most expensive petrol and diesel prices seen across the UK in the last two days, based on data from the Government's Fuel Finder tool.

Most expensive petrol prices

MFG Beam, Rainham, Essex (RM13 8DP) - 211.1p

Cluanie Inn Hotel, Glenmoriston, Inverness (IV63 7YW) - 194.9p

Ferrybridge Service Area, Knottingley, West Yorkshire (WF11 0AF) - 185.9p

Leigh Delamere West Service Area, Chippenham, Wiltshire (SN14 6LB) - 185.9p

Severn View Service Area, Bristol, Gloucestershire (BS35 4BH) - 185.9p

Most expensive diesel prices

MFG Beam, Rainham, Essex (RM13 8DP) - 233.3p

Ferrybridge Service Area, Knottingley, West Yorkshire (WF11 0AF) - 205.9p

Leigh Delamere West Service Area, Chippenham, Wiltshire (SN14 6LB) - 205.9p

Severn View Service Area, Bristol, Gloucestershire (BS35 4BH) - 205.9p

Toddington North Service Area, Toddington, Bedfordshire (LU5 6HR) - 205.9p

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