Diesel prices set to smash all-time record THIS WEEKEND as Iran war drives cost to £2 a litre

From the Newshound archive · first published 26 September 2026.

The RAC has warned that diesel prices will almost certainly surpass the previous record of 199.09p a litre over the weekend, with average pump prices already at 198.32p — up 55p since the Iran war began in late February. A 55-litre family car fill-up now costs £109 in diesel, a £30 jump since the conflict started. Hundreds of Scottish forecourts are already charging over £2 a litre, with island garages hitting 238.8p. Calls are growing for Chancellor John Healey to act in next month's Budget.

Analysts warn prices could spike to £3 a litre within a fortnight if Trump imposes a 90-day ban on US diesel exports.

South Uist haulier Norman MacAskill says a lorry fill-up has added £250 a week to his costs since the war began — 'devastating.'

UK drivers are already paying the highest diesel price in Europe, 12p a litre above Finland and the Netherlands.