Diesel now more than 27p per litre more expensive than petrol
Diesel is, on average, now costing 27.6p per litre more than petrol.
The gap is the largest it has been since at least 2003.
The previous largest gap according to data going back 23 years was 24.7p back in November 2022 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
As of today, Monday 14 March, petrol averaged 151.1p per litre with diesel at 178.7p per litre.
Diesel always tends to be more expensive than petrol but the difference has increased rapidly partly because the UK tends to import a lot of diesel – rather than refine it here – and hence is directly hit by global price fluctuations caused by the war in Iran.
The price of Brent crude oil is currenly around $112 per barrel.
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said:
“Diesel is the life blood of millions of small businesses. But today white van man is bleeding cash just to stay on the road.
“Whether you drive or not, soaring diesel prices will take money out of your pocket, whether that’s at the pump or in the bills you pay for everything from calling out the plumber to getting a home delivery.”
According to government data there were 4.6 million vans and 10.3 million cars powered by diesel on the road in the UK as of the end of quarter 3 2025. There were also 18.9 million petrol cars.
Contacts:
Philip Gomm – Head of External Communications – RAC Foundation
[email protected] | 07711 776448
Notes to editors:
The RAC Foundation is a transport policy and research organisation which explores the economic, mobility, safety and environmental issues relating to roads and their users.
It is a registered charity. Charity number: 1002705.
The Foundation publishes independent and authoritative research with which it promotes informed debate and advocates policy in the interest of the responsible motorist. For more information visit www.racfoundation.org