UK drivers face 'grim' fuel cost hikes as some petrol stations charge over £2 for diesel

Experts are warning that petrol and diesel prices will continue to rise over the coming days and weeks, with drivers potentially seeing new Iran war-peaks.

The latest data from RAC Fuel Watch marks an unwelcome update for millions of motorists around the country as they face high costs at the pumps.

Drivers are now paying an average of 157.81p per litre for petrol, less than 2p under the record-high price for the Iran War (159.93p) seen at the end of May.

It also marks a stark increase compared to July 6, when prices dropped to a low of 150.59p, with drivers shelling out an average of 7p more per litre within the matter of weeks.

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On average, petrol prices are rising by 0.3p per day, although diesel vehicle owners are seeing costs jump by 0.46p per day.

They are currently paying an average of 175.71p per litre. While this is around 15p cheaper than the record price since the outbreak of war in the Middle East, drivers are suffering nonetheless.

Since the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on February 28, diesel costs have risen by 23 per cent, adding more than 33p to a litre of fuel.

Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, warned that the outlook for motorists heading to forecourts was "pretty grim".

He said: "Since the start of July, petrol has already increased by more than 6.5p a litre and diesel by 9p, adding £3.50 and £5 to the cost of filling up a family car respectively.

"It looks highly likely now that petrol will hit 160p a litre - its highest level since the United States/Iran conflict began - and diesel 180p by the end of this week, off the back of an elevated oil price.

"The price of diesel is rising faster than petrol due to the UK's heavy reliance on diesel imports, and as a result of increased demand for US diesel."

Hostilities between Iran and the United States have eased in recent days, although Mr Williams suggested that this was unlikely to have a dramatic impact on prices.

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The cost of oil has also fallen after it soared above $100 (£75) last week to around $91 (£68) today in response to fewer strikes in the Middle East.

Despite a brief reprise in fighting, US President Donald Trump has posted AI-altered images of the US bombing targets in Iran on his Truth Social account.

The RAC stated that fuel prices needed a "sustained drop" in tensions over several weeks, otherwise high costs would continue around the world.

Experts have consistently called on drivers to save money on their fuel purchases by shopping around when trying to fill up, including when using apps such as myRAC or PetrolPrices.com.

Most expensive petrol prices

Steisean Connaidh Chrosabol, Crossapol, Inner Hebrides (PA77 6UP) - 192.2p

Shell Taunton Deane North and South, Taunton, Somerset (TA3 7PF) - 185.9p

Shell Chesterfield North and South, Tibshelf, Derbyshire (DE55 5TZ) - 185.9p

Shell Beaconsfield, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire (HP9 2SE) - 185.9p

Asda Strensham Express Petrol, Strensham, Worcestershire (WR8 0BZ) - 185.9p

Most expensive diesel prices

Steisean Connaidh Chrosabol, Crossapol, Inner Hebrides (PA77 6UP) - 213.6p

Ferrybridge Service Area, Chorley, Lancashire (PR7 5LR) - 201.9p

Leigh Delamere West Service Area, Chippenham, Wiltshire (SN14 6LB) - 201.9p

Severn View Service Area, Bristol, Gloucestershire (BS35 4BH) - 201.9p

Toddington North Service Area, Toddington, Bedfordshire (LU5 6HR) - 201.9p

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