Drivers urged to fill up before Thursday as diesel nears £2 a litre at its highest since 2022

From the Newshound archive · first published 22 September 2026.

Petrol and diesel prices have hit their highest level since 2022, driven by Middle East conflict disrupting oil supplies around the Strait of Hormuz, with diesel averaging £1.92 per litre and expected to top £2 in days. Small businesses are absorbing thousands of pounds a month in extra costs, with some motorists in rural areas already paying £2.40 per litre. A Treasury spokesperson insisted drivers benefit from the 5p fuel duty cut extension, with diesel 11p cheaper than it would otherwise be.

Haulier Noel Lewis, of Lewis Light Haulage & Storage in Stourport-on-Severn, says rising fuel costs him an extra £1,200 a week, forcing him and his wife to take wage cuts.

Stroud taxi owner Pieter-Jon Allis says he is 'under continual pressure to lowball' prices customers were paying 15 years ago 'even though fuel prices are at an all time high'.

West Midlands driver Arvander Pabla, who covers up to 75 miles daily, says prices have 'nearly gone double' and he has cut back on takeaways to cope.