Fuel prices 'shooting up like a rocket' as petrol and diesel drivers face near-record costs again

By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-07-23 12:21:04 | Updated at 2026-08-08 16:53:28 2 weeks ago

Drivers across the country could soon face huge price hikes at the pumps as experts warn that petrol and diesel prices are soaring.

The latest data from RAC Fuel Watch shows that drivers are being charged an average of 155.57p per litre for petrol and 172.14p for diesel.

In just two weeks, petrol has risen by almost five pence per litre, while diesel has jumped 7.5p since it dropped to its lowest level since the start of the Iran war.

The price of both petrol and diesel has risen by more than 20 per cent per litre since the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on February 28, 2026.

The RAC is warning that further price hikes are likely given the rapidly rising price of oil, which is now nearing $100 (£75).

Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, described the price hikes as "shooting up like a rocket" in response to the price of oil.

He said: "All the cuts of the last few months are sadly being reversed, with the price of unleaded now heading back up towards 160p and diesel to a shocking 180p.

"If petrol was to climb to 160p, it would surpass its Iran war high of 159.53p, seen on 28 May.

Expensive petrol prices and a fuel pump

Experts have warned that drivers will continue to see expensive petrol and diesel prices in the coming days and weeks

| GETTY/PA

"Unless the renewed conflict is brought to an abrupt end soon, it's looking like UK drivers are going to suffer some stinging summertime pump prices."

The conflict in the Middle East continues to rage on and could reach fresh heights after the deaths of several US military personnel.

Posting on social media site Truth Social, President Donald Trump issued a direct threat to Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.

He vowed to bomb or destroy one bridge or power plant in Iran every time a ship travels through the Strait, regardless of whether it is attacked by a "missile, rocket, drone, or any other device or weapon".

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important shipping routes in the world, especially for oil exports | GETTY

As the threats continue to escalate, motorists at the pumps will continue to face huge costs as there appears to be no end to rising oil costs.

Many forecourts are already feeling the pressure, with some service stations charging more than 180p per litre for petrol and over £2 for diesel.

GB News has rounded up the most expensive locations for petrol and diesel prices around the UK, according to data from the Government's Fuel Finder tool.

Fuel pump Estimates suggest that drivers could save up to 6p per litre with Fuel Finder | PA