The average price of diesel in the UK has reached 199.18p a litre, the highest level ever recorded and above the previous peak of 199.09p set in June 2022, according to the RAC.
Diesel is now 56.8p a litre, or just under 40%, more expensive than on February 28.
Filling an average family diesel car costs almost £110, some £31 more than at the start of the US/Iran conflict.
Petrol has also risen, though by less. Unleaded averages 174.13p a litre, 41p more than at the start of the war.
Simon Williams, the RAC’s head of policy, said the record marked a new unfamiliar case for diesel prices.
“By eclipsing the previous highest price of 199.09p seen in June 2022, the diesel price has entered new uncharted territory.”
In his words, the burden reaches beyond people who drive.
“This spells pain not only at the pumps for drivers, but for everyone who buys goods or services that rely on diesel lorries and vans; undoubtedly these increased costs will be passed on to consumers.”
Williams expressed the figures show how much the UK depends on developments elsewhere.
“These extraordinarily high prices are another reminder of just how exposed the UK is to events occurring far away from its shores.”
The RAC said suggestions of a renewed deal to end the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which would get oil supplies moving freely again, had offered drivers a slight glimmer of hope.
On the outlook, Williams believes relief at the pump depends on oil prices staying down.
“Only a sustained lower oil price – over several weeks, not days – will lead to cheaper prices at the pumps.”
