The difference in price between diesel and petrol has reached the highest level since at least 2003, according to new figures.
Data from the RAC shows the average price of a litre of diesel at forecourts across the UK rose to 179.9p yesterday – that’s 28.5p more than petrol.
The research comes as oil prices have soared over the past month due to the Iran war.
Iran’s stranglehold on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz has caused a surge in prices drivers are paying at the pump.
“Compared to the start of the Iran conflict, it costs £10.55 more to fill up a typical family car that runs on petrol, and £21.35 more for a comparative diesel car,” RAC head of policy Simon Williams said.
“The financial strain on the eight-in-10 motorists that tell us they depend on their cars continues to build, and at a particularly rapid rate for those who drive diesel vehicles.”
The latest figures from the DVLA show there were 16.2 million diesel vehicles licensed in the UK from the end of September last year.
“Diesel is the lifeblood of millions of small businesses, but today white van man is bleeding cash just to stay on the road,” Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said.
“Whether you drive or not, soaring diesel prices will take money out of your pocket, either at the pump or in the bills you pay for everything from calling out the plumber to getting a home delivery.”
He added: “If oil prices remain at this level the impact on the forecourt could be felt for weeks, if not months.”
“That’s bad news for everyone, not just drivers of the UK’s 4.6 million diesel vans, the majority of which will be used for work purposes.”
The benchmark oil price, a barrel of Brent crude, reached $116 this morning, about 3% higher than on Friday and at a near four-year high.
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