Petrol prices in the United Kingdom have reached their highest level since the Iran oil crisis began at the end of February. New figures from the RAC show the average cost of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts now stands at 158.5 pence, making it the most expensive it has been in over three and a half years.
The surge in fuel costs is directly linked to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, which has disrupted oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz and caused global crude oil prices to spike. The crisis has had a cascading effect on energy markets worldwide, with aviation fuel costs nearly doubling and diesel prices also climbing sharply.
British motorists are feeling the pinch as the cost of filling up a typical family car has risen by approximately 10 pounds compared to prices before the Iran crisis began. The RAC has warned that prices could continue to climb if diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict fail and military operations resume in the region.
The rising fuel costs come on top of other inflationary pressures facing UK households, including higher energy bills and food prices. Consumer groups have called on the government to consider temporary reductions in fuel duty to ease the burden on drivers, particularly those in rural areas who have no alternative to car travel.