Overview
- RAC Fuel Watch data published Thursday shows national averages of about 161.47p per litre for petrol and 181.45p per litre for diesel, with multiple forecourts reporting prices above £2 a litre.
- Analysts warn the squeeze is driven by a refined‑product shock from the Middle East that has tightened diesel flows even where crude supplies remain available.
- Forecourt Eye reports fuel theft has risen 24% in frequency and 48% in value versus the five months before the conflict, costing roughly $270,000 a day in stolen fuel.
- To protect retailers, Forecourt Eye plans to offer a facial‑recognition service for fuel sites from this autumn and operators are increasing security and operational measures.
- Governments and the oil industry have used short‑term tools such as strategic reserve releases, temporary tax moves and higher refinery runs to blunt the impact, but analysts say high crack spreads signal pump prices may stay elevated.