Petrol and diesel prices are dropping more gradually than anticipated, the RAC revealed on Friday, though one region of the UK has experienced swifter reductions. The motoring body has released its latest assessment amid an unpredictable global landscape.
Fuel costs have surged over the last two months following American and Israeli military action against Iran. This triggered a spike in oil prices, dragging petrol and diesel costs upwards with it.
Subsequently, tentative ceasefire arrangements had caused oil to fall, offering renewed optimism for price cuts at the pumps for struggling motorists. Yet the persistent instability across the Middle East has meant scant relief thus far.
A significant factor stems from the ongoing dispute surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route into and out of the Gulf. Minimal vessels have navigated the waterway since hostilities commenced, sparking supply anxieties and driving prices higher.
This week, with Washington and Tehran trading accusations over violations of their delicate ceasefire deal, oil prices have climbed once again. Nevertheless, the RAC noted that, despite this, wholesale fuel costs suggest pump prices ought to be lower than their current levels.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams stated the organisation still anticipated motorists would witness "cheaper" prices.
He said: "Pump prices aren't falling at the rate that our analysis of wholesale data indicates they should, with petrol only having dropped a penny a litre since April 15 and diesel by 2p.
"Interestingly, we note that prices in Northern Ireland have reduced more quickly, as unleaded has already come down by 2p and diesel by more than 4p in the last week.
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"The fact that the price of oil went back above $100 on Wednesday, having been below that mark for 10 days, is no doubt cause for concern for retailers.
"Despite this, the cost of both fuels on the wholesale market is still lower than it has been, particularly so for diesel - so drivers really ought to see some cheaper prices at the forecourts in the coming days."