Oil prices UK: AA issues stark new advice to drivers as current local fuel, petrol prices rise amid Iran war
Motorists are being told changes behind the wheel could help limit rising costs 🚗
- Edmund King has urged drivers to consider cutting ‘non-essential journeys’ as fuel prices rise
- The The AA says motorists can also save money by adopting more fuel-efficient driving habits
- Petrol and diesel costs have surged after global oil prices climbed above $100 a barrel amid conflict in the Middle East
- Experts warn petrol could soon average around 140p per litre, with diesel potentially reaching 160p
- Oil prices have since dipped slightly, but analysts say markets remain volatile and further price rises are possible
Yorkshire drivers are being urged to rethink their travel plans and driving habits under drastic new advice given as fuel prices surge in response to global tensions that have sent oil markets into turmoil.
The warning comes from Edmund King, president of the The AA, who said motorists could save money by cutting back on “non-essential journeys” and adopting more fuel-efficient driving styles as pump prices climb.
Why are fuel prices rising?
Petrol and diesel prices have already jumped sharply at forecourts across the UK after oil prices surged above $100 (£74) a barrel for the first time since 2022 following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East.
Since the fighting began on February 28, the average price of petrol has risen by around 5p to 137.5p per litre, while diesel has increased by 9p to about 151p per litre.
Historically, there has been a strong link between global oil prices and what drivers pay at the pump.
Analysis from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit suggests that when oil trades at around $100 a barrel, petrol prices typically approach 150p per litre. If oil climbs to $120 (£89) a barrel, pump prices could reach about 170p.
What is the AA advising drivers to do?
King said the length of the conflict would play a major role in determining how high fuel costs rise.
“The longer this conflict goes on, the more effect it will have on the cost of oil,” he said. “Any time Brent Crude passes 100 dollars per barrel raises concern across the markets, for the haulage industry and drivers.
“There will be gradual increases in pump prices, but this shouldn’t happen overnight as fuel has been purchased at previous prices.”
He added that while drivers should continue refuelling as normal, they could consider cutting back on unnecessary journeys and driving more efficiently to reduce fuel consumption.
How high could prices go?
Motoring groups say the outlook for motorists remains uncertain, with Simon Williams from the RAC warning that prices could continue climbing in the short term.
“Average petrol and diesel prices have rocketed in the last week and are unfortunately likely to keep on rising, so the situation for UK drivers is looking increasingly bleak,” he said.
Unleaded petrol could soon average around 140p per litre, while diesel may reach 160p if wholesale costs continue to filter through to forecourts.
Are oil prices starting to stabilise?
But global markets showed signs of stabilising on Tuesday (March 10) after Donald Trump suggested the US-Israel conflict with Iran might be short-lived.
The price of Brent crude fell sharply to just under $91 (£68) a barrel after hitting near four-year highs above $100 earlier in the week.
Despite the drop, analysts caution that oil prices remain highly volatile and could quickly spike again if tensions escalate.
For drivers across Yorkshire, that means the pressure on household budgets may not ease anytime soon, making fuel-saving habits increasingly important in the weeks ahead.