Diesel prices hit three-year high as fuel costs surge ahead of Easter – RAC

Motorists across the UK are facing a sharp rise in fuel costs, with diesel prices climbing to their highest level in more than three years and further increases expected in the days ahead.

The latest data and analysis from the RAC paints a stark picture for drivers, particularly as households prepare for the busy Easter travel period.

Diesel drivers hit hardest

According to RAC head of policy Simon Williams, diesel users are bearing the brunt of the surge.

“Given how many rely on their cars, households are really feeling the effects of the conflict in the Middle East,” he said.

“The average price of unleaded has now risen more than 14p a litre to 147.19p since the end of February, adding £8 to the cost of filling up a family car which currently stands at £81. Petrol was last this high in early June 2024.

“For drivers of diesel vehicles, the situation is far worse, with a litre up 29p to 171.17p, its highest price for more than three years (mid-January 2023). This means a tank now costs £94, £16 more than it did at the start of the conflict.”

The rapid increase in diesel prices marks a significant milestone, pushing costs back to levels not seen since early 2023 and placing renewed pressure on households already managing rising living expenses.

Sharp month-on-month surge revealed in latest data

Newly released figures underline just how rapidly fuel prices have accelerated in recent weeks, with both petrol and diesel seeing significant increases since the end of February.

PETROL: On 28 February 2026, petrol stood at 132.83p per litre, while diesel was 142.38p per litre. By 23 March, petrol had climbed to 147.19p, marking a rise of 14.4p (10.8%) in less than a month.

DIESEL: Diesel has surged even more dramatically, jumping from 142.38p to 171.17p per litre — an increase of 28.8p (20.2%) over the same period.

The data also shows that daily increases are continuing, with petrol rising by 0.9p and diesel by 1.4p in the latest recorded update alone.

The steep trajectory highlights the pace of change facing motorists, with diesel prices in particular rising at nearly double the rate of petrol — reinforcing warnings that the cost of driving could climb even further in the weeks ahead.

Ballymena motorists already feeling the rise

Locally, drivers in Ballymena are already experiencing the impact at the pumps.

Unleaded petrol is currently priced between 138.9p and 148.9p per litre, while diesel ranges from 161.9p to 169.9p per litre across the area.

While still slightly below the UK average in some cases, the upward trend is clear — and expected to continue.

More pain expected before Easter

The outlook for motorists remains uncertain, with global oil prices continuing to climb.

“As a barrel of oil has been trading well over $100 for the last three days and looks set to remain at that level, drivers are in for a rough ride at the pumps in the run-up to the Easter break with no end to price increases in sight,” Mr Williams added.

“With the price of petrol likely to go above 150p a litre in the next week and diesel heading to 180p, it’s looking like it will be the most expensive Easter on the roads since the early days of the war in Ukraine in 2022.”

Pressure builds on households and travel plans

The timing of the increase is particularly significant, coming just weeks before one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

For many families planning Easter getaways or visiting relatives, the rising cost of fuel could influence travel decisions — or stretch already tight budgets even further.

With no immediate sign of prices stabilising, motorists across Northern Ireland and beyond are being warned to brace for continued increases at the pumps.

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At a glance

• Diesel prices have hit their highest level in over three years

• Petrol has risen from 132.83p to 147.19p per litre since 28 February

• Diesel has surged from 142.38p to 171.17p per litre in the same period

• That’s a jump of 14.4p (10.8%) for petrol and 28.8p (20.2%) for diesel

• A full tank now costs around £81 for petrol and £94 for diesel

• Local prices in Ballymena range from 138.9p–148.9p (petrol) and 161.9p–169.9p (diesel)

• Daily increases are continuing, with both fuels still rising

• Global oil prices above $100 are driving the surge

• Prices are set to rise further ahead of the Easter travel period

• This could make Easter 2026 one of the most expensive for drivers in recent years