BBC Business4/20/2026Business
UK fuel prices begin to ease after 46-day surge driven by Middle East conflict
Motorists face £14 extra for petrol tank as Strait of Hormuz closure keeps oil prices elevated
Quick Look
- UK fuel prices have started to decline after 46 consecutive days of increases – the longest run on record – driven by the US-Israel war with Iran that began on 28 February.
- Petrol peaked at 158.3p and diesel at 191.5p per litre, with typical family cars now costing £14 more for petrol and £27 more for diesel.
- While prices have fallen slightly since 16 April, they remain above pre-war levels as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, disrupting 20% of global oil supply.
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UK fuel prices have started to decline after 46 consecutive days of increases – the longest run on record – driven by the US-Israel war with Iran that began on 28 February. Petrol peaked at 158.3p and diesel at 191.5p per litre, with typical family cars now costing £14 more for petrol and £27 more for diesel. While prices have fallen slightly since 16 April, they remain above pre-war levels as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, disrupting 20% of global oil supply.
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This article was originally published by BBC Business.
