Fuel prices near record highs as Iran conflict drives oil above $100 a barrel
Wed, 13 May 2026
The price of fuel is on the up once again as the ongoing conflict in Iran continues to cause instability in the world's oil markets.
The cost of a litre of petrol or diesel has begun to climb as the price of oil has remained over $100 a barrel for a significant period of time.
The RAC's latest figures show that drivers are paying on average 24.8p more for a litre of petrol, at 157.60p, than when the war began. That figure is not far from the 158.31p average seen on 15th April, which is the highest figure seen so far since the war began.
As a reminder, the war began on 28th February, where the RAC's average price for a litre of petrol was 132.83p across the UK and diesel was 142.38p.
For diesel drivers the picture is marginally better. A litre of diesel is currently up 45.6p since the war began at 187.95p, but that's down over 3p from the maximum of 191.54p experienced in mid-April, with the RAC saying that number is set to fall further over the coming days.
Sustained oil price fall needed
"Petrol prices have risen by 0.6p in the last week to an average of 157.6p, their highest level since 20th April and less than 1p off the peak since the war in Iran began," says RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis.
"The situation for drivers of diesel vehicles is a little better, with prices still falling – albeit very slowly – to 188p, around 3.5p off the highest price last month of 191.5p.
"The oil price has remained very volatile this week, but what we can be sure of is that only a sustained lower oil price, over a matter of weeks and not just days, will be enough to guarantee drivers pay less when they fill up. We strongly recommend drivers shop around for fuel."
The RAC also recommends the use of free tools which help you find the cheapest fuel in your local area. Its myRAC app includes a fuel finder to guide you to the lowest price fill-up nearby.
