Diesel prices in the United Kingdom have now reached record highs, as the Iran war continues to strain global markets.
According to BBC News, the average price of a liter of diesel in the U.K. has reached 199.33 pence, beating the previous record of 199.09 pence from June of 2022, set after the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"The diesel price has entered new uncharted territory," Royal Automobile Club head of policy Simon Williams said in a September 28 release. "This spells pain not only at the pumps for drivers, but for everyone who buys goods or services that rely on diesel lorries and vans; undoubtedly these increased costs will be passed on to consumers."
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British roads carry more than four-fifths of the U.K.'s domestic freight measured by tonne and distance, while diesel powers the vast majority of its heavy trucks. Fuel also accounts for roughly a third of a heavy truck operating costs, according to Logistics UK, making the recent surge in prices a significant added expense for freight operators.
This comes as U.K. leaders have urged the U.S. to reconsider potential plans to enact an export ban on American diesel. BBC News reports that British Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey has been working closely with the Trump administration on a possible exemption for the U.K., which relies on the U.S. for a third of its diesel imports.
