Overview
- Oil prices topped $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022, with sharp volatility linked to the US‑Israeli conflict with Iran and curtailed Gulf shipments.
- In the United States, the average gasoline price rose to $3.53 a gallon in a week, up 59 cents, while diesel reached $4.72 after a 97‑cent jump, according to GasBuddy.
- UK petrol now averages roughly 137p per litre and diesel around 151p, with the RAC warning unleaded could cross 140p within days and diesel could climb to 160p–180p if oil stays near $100.
- Australia has seen some fuel rationing and forecasts for 91‑octane petrol near A$2.50 per litre in major cities, with officials urging drivers not to panic buy.
- Governments and regulators are weighing responses, as President Trump says some oil sanctions will be lifted temporarily, analysts project a July rise in the UK energy price cap, and experts flag upward pressure on food costs.