Petrol and diesel drivers are being urged to make a driving change as prices at the pumps soar due to conflict in the Middle East. US-Israeli strikes on Iran, followed by retaliatory strikes across the region, has caused global oil prices to spike, which can have a significant knock-on effect on the cost of wholesale fuel. Oil prices have soared above 100 dollars a barrel for the first time since 2022 in response to the Middle East conflict, with analysis by think tank the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit showing oil trading at this level typically results in petrol prices of about 150p per litre, while oil hitting 120 dollars a barrel means petrol prices of about 170p per litre.
Since the conflict began on February 28, the average price of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts has jumped to 137.78p, while diesel has gone up to 151.81p, according to the latest figures from the RAC. Supermarket petrol prices, which are generally cheaper, have also gone up by 15.2p on average, with Tesco currently the cheapest place to fill up at 135.0p on average. Experts have warned that the longer the conflict goes on, the more effect it will have on the cost of oil - and, in turn, fuel prices.
While drivers are encouraged to continue filling up as normal, the AA has issued advice urging drivers to consider cutting out “non-essential journeys” to help save on costs.
AA president Edmund King said fuel prices are expected to rise as the cost of oil goes up, so minimising journeys will help to preserve fuel.
Changes to driving style can also help motorists to be more fuel efficient, such as using the highest gear possible within the speed limit, driving with windows closed, decluttering cars to remove excess weight and avoiding driving during peak times, as this results in more stopping, starting and idling which burns more fuel.
Mr King said: “The longer this conflict goes on, the more effect it will have on the cost of oil. Any time Brent Crude passes 100 dollars per barrel raises concern across the markets, for the haulage industry and drivers.
“There will be gradual increases in pump prices, but this shouldn’t happen overnight as fuel has been purchased at previous prices.
“Our suggestion is that drivers should not change their refuelling habits but can consider cutting out some non-essential journeys and changing their driving style to conserve fuel.”
The government said the suggestion from the AA about limiting journeys was not linked to any supply shortages, and confirmed that international fuel prices are changing and are being monitored, but it is “too soon” to know who this will translate to local prices at the pump.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said: “International prices are changing and we are monitoring them. However, it is too soon to say how they will translate to local prices at the pump. Changes in crude oil price tend to feed through gradually over the course of a number of weeks.
“Fuels Industry UK reports that fuels production and imports are continuing across the UK as usual. As motorist organisations the AA and RAC have advised, “there is no need for drivers to break their refuelling routine.”