Petrol prices in the UK have climbed to within 1p of their highest level since December 2022 as tensions in the Middle East continue to drive oil prices higher.
According to the AA, the average price of unleaded petrol has risen to 158.2p per litre, while diesel prices eased slightly to 186.8p per litre.
The increase comes as hopes for a peace agreement between the US and Iran continue to fade, fuelling concerns over global oil supplies and pushing wholesale fuel costs sharply higher.
AA spokesperson Luke Bosdet urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to reconsider plans to remove the temporary 5p fuel duty cut later this year.
Bosdet warned that rising fuel costs are becoming increasingly problematic for households and businesses, particularly ahead of the upcoming May bank holiday and school half-term travel period.
He noted that petrol prices had already returned close to the 159.0p per litre peak recorded in April, adding that recent increases in wholesale fuel costs suggest pump prices could rise even further in the coming days.
The latest surge in fuel prices reflects growing market anxiety over disruption to global energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for international oil supplies.
