Fuel prices 'to keep on rising', says RAC as diesel averages nearly £2 per litre

According to data from the RAC, the latest fuel price figures show that the average price of petrol in the UK has reached £1.72 a litre and diesel at £1.96 - making the latter nervously close to a £2 national average. 

Naturally, the figures rise at motorway service stations, where the reported average for petrol is £1.94 and diesel £2.14. 

The RAC has tracked fuel data since the beginning of the Middle East conflict in February. As of 20th September 2026, it has recorded the highest increase in fuel prices. Furthermore, it predicts the cost of filling up is likely to rise, according to its forecast tracker. 

In a statement, the RAC's Head of Policy, Simon Williams said: "Unfortunately for hard-pressed drivers, prices look set to keep on rising due to the cost of a barrel of oil consistently trading over the $100 mark.

"Since the start of this month, the cost of filling a family car has already risen by almost £5, to £94 for petrol and £106 for diesel. So the pressure on the Chancellor to act to support households, so many of whom are dependent on the car, is building."

In a separate statement, the RAC's Senior Policy Officer, Rod Dennis said: "So many drivers tell us they’re having to cut back on other spending just to afford to keep their cars running – which is further confirmation, as if it was needed, of just how car-dependent we are as a nation."

It comes after an RAC survey in June found that 30% of drivers are more likely to switch to an electric vehicle as a direct result of high fuel prices. 

"Having a vehicle that doesn’t run on petrol or diesel can make a lot of financial sense, especially for those who can charge up cheaply at home," said Dennis. 

For fleets, the recent fuel price rises mean the cost of maintaining fleet vehicles has risen within the last week. Vans and commercial vehicles are particularly affected, given the increased rate for diesel - which could lead fleet managers to consider the alternative of switching to EVs. 

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