Motorists have reacted with anger after diesel was pictured on sale for 205.9p a litre at a UK filling station, as fuel prices continue to rise sharply across the country.
The photograph, shared on social media, shows diesel advertised at £2.059 a litre — meaning a 55-litre fill-up at that price would cost around £113.25.
While £2.059 is significantly above the national average and the location of the photographed forecourt has not been independently established, official motoring data confirms diesel prices have risen rapidly during September.
The RAC reported that average UK diesel had reached 192.86p a litre by 15 September, its highest level since July 2022. Petrol had climbed to 170.54p.
Just four days earlier, average diesel stood at 190.08p, with the RAC warning that wholesale prices were continuing to increase as oil approached $108 a barrel.
That means individual forecourts charging more than £2 a litre are plausible, although £2.059 should not be presented as the typical UK diesel price.
Drivers question soaring costs
The photograph prompted a frustrated social-media post questioning why the latest increases have not generated the sort of protests seen during previous periods of high fuel prices.
The author said the impact extended beyond motorists, arguing that higher fuel costs ultimately affect haulage, deliveries, businesses, commuters and household costs.
The RAC says pump prices are influenced by wholesale fuel costs, crude oil prices, exchange rates, distribution costs, retailer margins and taxation.
Fuel prices have moved particularly quickly this month. On 9 September, diesel averaged 188.63p a litre; by 15 September it had risen to 192.86p.
For comparison, the RAC records the UK’s highest-ever average diesel price as 199.09p a litre, reached on 25 June 2022, although individual filling stations charged considerably more.
With wholesale costs remaining elevated, the RAC has warned motorists that further increases could follow.
