The cost of filling up a vehicle has rebounded, according to the RAC, as oil prices remain elevated.
By Nexvoro Tech Wire
PUBLISHED MON, SEP 14, 2026 2:01 PM UTC • 6 MIN READ
Primary Journalistic Dispatch & Direct Reporting
The average price of a litre of petrol now stands at 169.68p, according to the RAC motoring body, while diesel has risen to 191.68p.
The cost of filling up a vehicle is back to where it was after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than four years ago.
The US-Israel war with Iran has severely disrupted the production and transportation of oil across the region.
In-Depth Developments & Factual Context
Motor fuel prices fell back when the US and Iran agreed in June to a framework deal to end the fighting but have started rising again as tensions resurface.
With the price of wholesale oil back above $100 a barrel, Simon Williams, head of policy at motoring organisation RAC, said "there's no end in sight to high pump prices" for drivers.
Crude oil is a key ingredient in petrol and diesel, which means that higher wholesale costs make filling up a car more expensive. The price of petrol and diesel is also heavily influenced by demand and refining capacity.
Industry Impact & Strategic Analysis
Analysts say every $10 (£7.44) per barrel increase in the oil price pushes up pump prices by roughly 7p a litre.
Since the war began, the price of a barrel of Brent crude â the global benchmark for wholesale oil prices â has been very volatile.
Generally speaking, news of further conflict drives the price up while hopes of an end to the war pushes the price down.
Forward Outlook & Market Perspective
Before the conflict, Brent was about $70 a barrel, but the fighting saw it peak at above $120.
In early July, after the framework deal was signed, prices fell back to near the $70 a barrel mark.
When the peace talks collapsed, the price climbed back up again to above $100 a barrel. It fell back for a few weeks but is once again over the $100 mark after a fresh escalation in hostilities.
Just a few weeks ago in July, the average price of petrol was 150.59p per litre and diesel was 164.52p.
They have since rebounded. At 191.68p for a litre of diesel, the price is getting closer to the record high of 199.05p seen in June 2022.
Meanwhile, petrol has hit an average 169.68p a litre. It remains below a peak of 191.5p during the summer of 2022.
Reporting synthesized and verified under Nexvoro.tech editorial guidelines. Full primary records referenced via BBC Business.
Reporting synthesized under Nexvoro.tech Editorial Standards • Referenced via BBC Business
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