Thames Valley drivers face highest fuel prices in the UK

The soaring prices come after the start of the Iran war in the end of February, with diesel now at 205.9p per litre at Membury services in Berkshire, and unleaded petrol reaching 185p per litre.

Some drivers are reducing their journeys due to the unaffordable fuel prices.

The Government has frozen fuel duty in an effort to alleviate the burden, while motoring groups advise shopping around for the best deals.

Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, commented on the situation: “Fuel prices continued to rise over the weekend with petrol climbing to a new Iran War high of 160.85p and diesel going back over 180p, something drivers haven’t seen since 9 June.

“Unleaded has now risen more than 10p a litre – 7 per cent – since bottoming out at 150.59p on 6 July while diesel is up 16p (15.8p) a litre, or 10 per cent, almost fully reversing June’s 16.6p reduction, which was the biggest monthly drop on record.

“Positively for petrol car drivers, RAC analysis of wholesale fuel data shows prices at the pump should begin to stabilise this week.

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Some drivers are reducing their journeys due to the unaffordable fuel prices. (Image: Ed Nix)

“But the news for those who rely on diesel, including many businesses, is worrying as it looks set to carry on rising, possibly reaching 185p in the next week or so.”

The rise in fuel prices coincides with the summer holiday season, when more than 20 million UK drivers are expected to hit the roads this week.

The AA is advising motorists to use price comparison apps powered by the Government’s Fuel Finder service to “beat the higher prices.”

The increase in prices has led to record numbers of forecourt drive-offs.

Forecourt Eye, a fuel theft prevention company, reported a 20 per cent increase in incidents of fuel taken without payment in the five months following the conflict’s onset on February 28, compared to the previous five months.

The surge in pump prices due to the war has driven the value of stolen fuel up by 48 per cent over the same period, reaching an estimated daily average of £194,000 across the UK’s 8,359 forecourts.

Gordon Balmer, executive director of the Petrol Retailers Association, noted that its members are “reporting increasing levels of abuse and aggression towards colleagues who are simply doing their jobs and have no influence over the price displayed on the forecourt”.

The Government has postponed its planned September 2026 increase to fuel duty until the end of the year due to rising pump prices.

Originally introduced by the Conservatives in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the 5p reduction was set to end in September 2026.