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New data shows the impact of global disruption following the Iran conflict, with petrol, diesel and even heating oil all increasing significantly.
The average price of unleaded petrol has climbed to 148.8p per litre, rising:
- 4.6p in just one week
- 16.6p since early March
- Around 13 percent overall
This is the highest level since May 2024.
Diesel prices have risen even faster, reaching 176.5p per litre:
- Up 9.6p week on week
- Up 34.4p since early March
- A 24 percent increase
That puts diesel at its highest price since December 2022.
Separate daily estimates suggest prices are even higher, with petrol above 152p and diesel nearing 183p per litre.
£100 to fill up a tank
The surge means the cost of filling a typical 55 litre family car has now reached £100.52.
This is the first time drivers have crossed the £100 mark since late 2022, highlighting how quickly costs have risen.
Motorway service stations and urban areas are typically more expensive, while supermarkets and areas with more competition tend to offer lower prices.
Alicia Hempsted, Car Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket, explains the benefits of comparing fuel prices: “Comparing petrol or diesel prices before you fill up is a quick and simple way to help keep your running costs down.
“Prices can vary by a few pence even within the same area, so taking a moment to check could help you avoid paying more than you need to.
“As households become increasingly careful with their spending, small savings can add up over time. Saving 5p per litre can mean up to £156 a year for drivers who fill up regularly.”
Drivers already paying hundreds of millions more
The increase is not just hitting individuals but adding up across the country.
Estimates suggest motorists have already paid an extra £544 million on fuel since the end of February:
- £409 million extra on diesel
- £135 million extra on petrol
This reflects the cumulative impact of rising pump prices compared with pre-conflict levels.
Heating oil prices double
The cost of heating oil has seen one of the most dramatic increases.
Latest figures show:
- Average price at 104.1p per litre in March
- Nearly double February levels
- Highest since records began in 1989
Gas oil, often used in businesses and agriculture, has also risen sharply:
- Up 51 percent in a month
- Reaching 99.5p per litre
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Why prices are rising
The increases come after disruption to global energy supplies following the Iran conflict, which began at the end of February.
Fuel prices had previously fallen from their 2022 peaks but are now rising again, raising concerns about further cost pressures for households and businesses.
The speed of the increases means many drivers are only just starting to feel the full impact.
With fuel costs feeding into transport and household bills, the latest surge risks pushing up everyday expenses even further in the weeks ahead.
