UK petrol and diesel prices fall after weeks of rises
April 17, 2026
Drivers have seen 46 days of increases as the US-Israeli war with Iran pushed up wholesale oil prices.
After 46 consecutive days of relentless increases, drivers across the United Kingdom are finally seeing a slight reprieve at the pumps. The average prices for both petrol and diesel have registered a small but welcome decrease, breaking a painful cycle of daily hikes that began in late February. As of Friday, the average cost of unleaded petrol has dipped to 157.97 pence per litre, while diesel has fallen to 190.94 pence per litre.
This minor drop comes after a period of significant financial strain for motorists, triggered by geopolitical instability. Prices began their sharp ascent following military strikes in Iran on February 28, which led to a spike in global oil prices. The conflict raised fears of major disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies. Before this period of volatility, fuel prices had been relatively stable, but the ensuing weeks saw petrol rise by over 25 pence per litre and diesel by a staggering 49 pence.
The recent easing in pump prices is attributed to a corresponding drop in wholesale costs, which has seen crude oil trade below the $100 per barrel mark for several days. Motoring organisations had noted that the record-breaking run of price increases had almost ground to a halt earlier in the week, paving the way for the current reversal. The fall in wholesale prices has now begun to filter through to the forecourts, offering a glimmer of hope to households and businesses that have seen their transportation costs soar.
The implications of the prolonged price surge have been widespread. The cost to fill an average family car has increased by approximately £14 for petrol and £27 for diesel compared to costs before the recent conflict. This added to the cost-of-living pressures on the public. In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to work with international partners to alleviate the impact and reopen the vital shipping lanes. The government has also faced scrutiny, as the rising prices have resulted in a significant increase in VAT revenue collected from fuel sales.
Looking ahead, the outlook remains uncertain and is heavily dependent on international events. While the current drop in wholesale prices suggests that further reductions of several pence per litre could be passed on to consumers in the coming days, the market is still described as highly volatile. Any renewed escalation of conflict in the Middle East or further disruptions to supply routes could quickly reverse the trend and send prices climbing once more. For now, drivers will be watching the forecourt signs closely, hoping this small reduction marks the beginning of a more sustained downward trend.
Source: yahoo