Burnham urged to lobby Trump as diesel prices near record high and experts warn of £3-a-litre 'disaster'

From the Newshound archive · first published 24 September 2026 · last updated 25 September 2026.

Reform's Robert Jenrick has already reached out to the Trump administration directly as UK diesel prices approach an all-time high of 199p per litre, with experts cautioning that a 90-day US export ban could drive costs to £3 a litre within weeks. The EU has lobbied Washington "at the highest level", describing the proposal as a "bad idea" that would damage both sides. Trump told the UN he has been pressing his officials to impose a ban, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated a choice between a full or partial restriction would arrive "fast". The RAC says the key question is no longer whether diesel will breach £2 a litre, but by how much.

The US accounts for one sixth of all diesel consumed in the UK, and more than half of Europe's diesel imports last month originated in America, leaving Britain severely exposed.

Jenrick blamed Labour for presiding over the shutdown of domestic refineries at Grangemouth and Lindsey last year, and warned that Rachel Reeves's postponed 5p duty increase is due back in January.

Research analyst Ashley Kelty warned prices could head "north of £2.50, £3" per litre, with Britain's diesel stocks potentially running down within "a few weeks" of any ban taking effect.