The price of diesel has soared to £2 for the first time ever as millions of drivers across the UK face ever-growing fuel costs.
Fresh data from the RAC shows that an average litre of diesel now costs 200.01p per litre, setting yet another record for fuel.
The conflict between the United States and Iran has caused oil prices to soar, forcing the price of diesel up around the world.
Diesel now costs 57.6p more per litre than it did at the start of the conflict, a staggering rise of 40.5 per cent.
For an average 45mpg diesel car, drivers are now paying an “extraordinary” 20p per mile, according to Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC.
High-mileage drivers could now be paying more than £2,000 every year on fuel if they travel 10,000 miles.
Mr Williams said: “This is a pump price threshold that no-one wanted to cross – the average price of a litre of diesel has risen to a record 200.01p and is showing no signs of slowing, heaping more misery onto motorists.
“The cost of filling up an average family car is now £110, almost £32 more than it was at the start of the US/Iran war.”
Diesel prices have hit a grim milestone, soaring to £2 per litre
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GETTY
He warned that people who drive more for work or pleasure now face a harsh reality of soaring costs, which look likely to continue rising in the near future.
The previous record high of 199.09p, seen in June 2022, followed months of war between Russia and Ukraine, with the RAC noting that this seems a “distant memory” as focus shifts to the Middle East.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a key chokepoint for the global flow of oil and has caused prices to soar as Iran closed the shipping route following missile attacks from the United States.
Further price rises could also be seen following threats from President Donald Trump and his administration to ban the export of diesel.
Both petrol and diesel prices have soared since the start of the Iran war
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RAC FUEL WATCH
Analysis from Fuels Industry UK shows that around 55 per cent of road diesel is imported, compared to just 14 per cent in 2003.
Almost one-third of imported diesel comes from the United States, potentially exposing the UK to a shortfall in the future.
Despite this, a Government spokesperson told GB News: “We have a diverse and resilient supply. We continue to engage with our international partners and the UK fuel industry.”