Drivers urged to fill up by Wednesday as diesel hits record high and UK stockpiles fall to just 42 DAYS
From the Newshound archive · first published 28 September 2026 · last updated 30 September 2026.
Diesel has surged to a record 199.53p a litre on average — close to £2 — pushing a typical family car fill-up to nearly £110, some £31 more than before the US-Iran war began in February. Asda has raised its diesel prices faster than any other major supermarket, hiking by 59.3p per litre since the conflict started. The RAC's Simon Williams warns pump prices will not fall until there is a sustained lower oil price over several weeks, and says diesel could breach £2 within days. Chancellor John Healey has pointed to the October Budget as the moment the government will act.
The UK holds just 42 days of diesel in reserve — the lowest level in the world bar Australia.
Trump's hint at banning US diesel exports sent Brent Crude soaring to $108 a barrel, deepening fears of a £3-a-litre price spike.
Specialists warn prices are typically lower mid-week, urging motorists to fill up by Wednesday before another expected jump.