The average price of diesel in the United Kingdom has risen above £2 per litre for the first time, according to data from the RAC motoring organisation.
Gatekeepers News reports that RAC Fuel Watch data showed that the average pump price of diesel reached 200.01 pence (£2.0001) per litre on Friday, October 2, 2026, surpassing the previous record of 199.09 pence recorded in June 2022.
The latest figure represents a significant increase from the 142.38 pence per litre recorded on February 28, before the current disruption to global fuel supplies. Diesel prices have therefore risen by about 40.5 percent over the period.
The RAC said filling a typical 55-litre diesel tank now costs £110.01, about £31.70 more than it did at the end of February. Petrol prices have also increased, with the average price of unleaded reaching 174.71 pence per litre, meaning a 55-litre tank costs about £96.09.
Simon Williams, RAC head of policy, described the £2 threshold as one that “no-one wanted to cross”, warning that the increase would put additional pressure on households and businesses that depend heavily on vehicles.
“The average price of a litre of diesel has risen to a record 200.01p and is showing no signs of slowing,” Williams said.
He said the higher prices would particularly affect commuters, haulage and delivery companies, businesses operating large fleets and sole traders.
The RAC attributed the surge to disruption to fuel supplies linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The organisation also warned that threats of restrictions on US diesel exports could put further pressure on prices.
The development has also raised concerns about the wider effect of expensive diesel on the cost of goods and services because diesel-powered vehicles play a major role in transporting food, construction materials and other products.
Meanwhile, European countries have agreed to release additional diesel reserves following pressure from the United States to help ease the global fuel-price surge. Reuters reported that EU governments backed a French proposal involving the release of 50 million barrels of diesel, while International Energy Agency members were expected to release a similar volume of crude oil.
The UK government has also sought to reassure motorists about fuel availability, with officials saying the country’s diesel supply remains robust despite the sharp rise in prices.
