Drivers are being urged to shop around when they look to buy petrol or diesel, as motorists continue to struggle with expensive fuel prices, as conflict in the Middle East rages on.The latest data from RAC Fuel Watch shows that drivers are paying an average of just under 150p per litre for unleaded petrol.This is a staggering 17p, or 12.8 per cent, hike since the start of the conflict on February 28, which is the highest price since May 2024.Diesel drivers are facing an even more dire outlook at the pumps, with average costs soaring to 176.66p, with prices up almost a quarter since Iran's Supreme Leader was killed in an airstrike on Tehran. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The massive 34.3p hike over the last four weeks has taken diesel to its highest price since Christmas Day 2022, just 10 months after Russia invaded Ukraine.The summer of 2022 saw the UK's highest-ever fuel prices after oil prices soared in the aftermath of the war in Eastern Europe and underlying tensions in the Middle East.Over the last four weeks, the global price of a barrel of oil has fluctuated widely, from as low as 72 (£54) to as high as 120 (£90).Experts have continued to call on motorists to shop around and use tools to find the cheapest petrol and diesel prices in their local area.Fresh data from fuel comparison site PetrolPrices shows that Sainsbury's has been active in helping drivers with significant price cuts in recent days.Across the supermarket giant's 316 forecourts, diesel prices have been reduced by up to seven pence per litre.Petrol car owners have also been backed with a drop of four pence per litre as it aims to protect motorists from soaring fuel prices.A spokesperson from PetrolPrices said: Prices can still vary significantly between locations, so it's important that motorists compare prices locally to make sure they're getting the best deal every time they fill up.LATEST DEVELOPMENTSMajor driving licence changes set to be introduced soon will impact thousands of motoristsElectric car rollout risks failing disabled drivers as charging chaos causes 'real-world constraints'Motorists hit with 26 car insurance hikes over major driving licence issue impacting travel costsThe latest prices from Sainsbury's show that the supermarket is selling unleaded for an average price of 140.9p, while diesel motorists will pay £1.63 a litre.Experts are fearful of further price hikes as the situation between the United States, Israel and Iran remains tense.While US President Donald Trump has introduced a 10-day pause on his plan to strike Iranian energy plants, the Iranian regime has denied the existence of any talks.In a recent Truth Social post, the President stated that talks are ongoing and going very well, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media.The RAC has warned drivers that they could continue to face high costs at the pumps closer to Easter.Simon Williams, head of policy at the motoring organisation, said analysis of wholesale fuel data could see petrol rise to 152p a litre, while diesel could jump to 185p.He said: While soaring costs at the pumps are putting a strain on drivers, as long as the cost of oil remains around 100 (£75), prices should begin to stabilise.Shopping around for the lowest price fuel can make a massive difference, so we advise drivers to download the myRAC app and start making the most of its fuel finder, which is free for everyone to use. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
March 27, 2026