UK fleets and their drivers now face the most expensive diesel in Europe as pump prices continue to rise, according to new analysis from the RAC.
As of Friday 25th September, the average price of a litre of diesel stood at 198.32 pence, with petrol priced at 173.6p per litre (ppl).
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “The average price of diesel is teetering on the brink of a new all-time high at 198.32p, taking the cost of a 55-litre fill-up for a family car to £109.”
Diesel has increased by more than 14ppl in the UK since the start of September.
Williams continued: “The UK now has the most expensive diesel in Europe by 12p a litre ahead of Finland and the Netherlands.
“The record of 199.09p will almost certainly be surpassed over the weekend as retailers continue to pass on the increases they’re seeing when they buy new supply.
“Petrol is now averaging 173.6p – its highest price in more than four years. Petrol has risen nearly 12p in September and more than 40p since the Iran War began.”
Diesel has increased by 55ppl since the conflict began in the Middle East on February 28.
Williams said: “Sadly for drivers, there appears to be no end in sight to high prices at the pumps as the cost of a barrel of oil hit $106 having been around that $100 mark for the last two weeks.
“A significant drop in the price of oil is badly needed but this seems unlikely without the US and Iran striking a deal.”
The latest increase comes as the US considers introducing a diesel export ban in an effort to bring down costs for its own motorists.
With the UK importing around a third (31%) of its diesel from the US, an export ban could push prices even higher in the UK.
