Petrol and diesel prices could hit record high since outbreak of Iran war as oil hits $100

By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-07-24 13:40:59 | Updated at 2026-08-08 17:50:12 2 weeks ago

Drivers across the country could soon see petrol and diesel prices reach a new record high since the outbreak of war in the Middle East.

The price of Brent crude oil has surpassed $100 (£75) for the first time in more than two months amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran.

President Donald Trump has promised strong action against Iran after several US military personnel were killed in rocket attacks in Jordan and Iraq.

He has pledged to attack strategic targets across Iran, including bridges and power stations, if the Middle Eastern country continues to attack vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

With the price of oil soaring, drivers are facing increasingly more expensive petrol and diesel prices at forecourts across the UK and around the world.

Fresh data from RAC Fuel Watch shows that motorists are facing average costs of 156.19p for petrol and 173.15p for diesel, with prices rising daily by 0.62p and 1.01p, respectively.

Average petrol prices are just 3p away from recording a new Iran war high, as drivers last paid 159p per litre for unleaded on May 28.

Diesel drivers are also facing hefty costs, with average costs now 21.6 per cent more expensive than February 28, when conflict in the Middle East broke out.

Diesel pump and expensive fuel prices

Drivers across the UK could soon see petrol and diesel prices return to record levels

PA/GETTY

Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said prices were surging again to levels last experienced in mid-June, noting that everyone had hoped to see the last of these high costs.

He highlighted that the price of diesel has undergone "an even sharper rise at almost 9p" in just over two weeks, marking a concerning sight for drivers.

Mr Williams continued, saying: "Since the Iran war lows, this translates to percentage increases of four per cent and five per cent respectively.

"Although not as great as the start of the conflict, it's nonetheless worrying as both fuels are so much more expensive than they were then.

"Unless the hostilities end soon, it's hard not to see the price of petrol reaching a new Iran war high."

Drivers filling up an average family-sized car will not be forking out £86 for petrol and £95 for diesel based on the latest fuel prices.

This will be even more stark for van and lorry drivers, who could be expected to pay more than £100 to continue their journeys around the UK.

GB News has compiled the most expensive petrol and diesel prices around the UK, based on data from the Government's Fuel Finder tool.

$Oil peaked most recently at almost $102 (\u00a376.57)$