The average price of diesel in the UK has reached a new record of 199.33p a litre this week, according to the RAC motoring organisation. Petrol prices have also increased to 174.23p a litre.
Fuel costs have been steadily rising since the US-Iran war began in February. The conflict, which started on 28 February, has added 59p to the average cost of a litre of diesel and 41p to the price of petrol, largely due to constrained international diesel supplies.
Shropshire-based Dulson Training, a firm that teaches people to drive lorries and buses, is having to "ride out" the increased cost of filling its vehicles. Managing director Steve Dulson stated that it is costing hundreds of pounds more to fill each lorry compared to 2025 prices, with a rise of up to 50p a litre, excluding VAT, over the last 12 months.
Dulson noted that increasing prices for existing customers is difficult because they are often quoted before fuel price increases. The family-run business is exploring limited fuel savings by "extending breaks" or taking routes that use less fuel. Dulson indicated that the company might need to increase prices next year unless there is a downturn in fuel costs.