Drivers told '£2 per litre' for petrol 'not unthinkable' and soon in 2026

UK petrol prices have risen for two consecutive weeks after falling since mid-December

Fuel costs across the UK are on the rise, with experts urging motorists to fill up before prices climb even higher, as "heightened tensions" around the globe drive a surge in oil prices. Average pump prices have crept upwards over each of the past two weeks, following a steady decline since mid-December.

The average cost now stands at 131.71p per litre – rising from 131.46p on February 9, according to industry experts. They warned that the increase is being driven by global instability, with Brent crude surging above $71 per barrel – its highest point since July 2025 – fuelled by heightened tensions in the Middle East and the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Donald Trump's tariffs are also sending shockwaves across global markets, they noted. Should a significant supply disruption occur – such as direct military involvement between the US and Iran, or a blockage of the Strait of Hormuz – prices could soar even further.

However, costs remain well below the record high of 191.55p per litre seen in July 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Tony Redondo, founder of Newquay-based Cosmos Currency Exchange, has called on Brits to top up their tanks whilst they still can, warning that pump prices will almost certainly continue to rise.

He continued: "The recent rise to 131.71p per litre signals a definitive pause in the downward trend UK drivers enjoyed earlier this year. This uptick is primarily driven by global volatility, with Brent crude climbing above $71 per barrel – the highest since July 2025 – due to heightened tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

"Domestically, while the 5p fuel duty cut remains in place until September 2026, retailers are rapidly passing these wholesale increases to the pumps. Barring a major supply disruption, such as direct military action involving the US and Iran or a blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, prices are expected to settle between 133p and 135p in the short term.

"While we aren't approaching the 191p record highs of 2022, the price 'floor' has likely been reached. It is wise to fill up now if you find a station near the current average, as retail prices typically rise much faster than they fall."daily-mirror-icon_money_petrol-prices

Samuel Mather-Holgate, managing director and IFA at Swindon-based Mather and Murray Financial, warned motorists could face prices reaching £2 per litre by summer's end.

He said: "Donald Trump's tariffs really are felt across the globe, even if indirectly, in petrol prices. Increasing uncertainty on the world stage pushed up the price of the commodity that is still the engine juice of the world.

"With tariffs, global political uncertainty in the Middle East and the problem of Venezuela, it's anyone's guess how much crude might go up. It's not unthinkable that we could see up to £2 per litre in the UK by the end of the summer."

Steven Greenall, an adviser at Rayleigh-based Protect and Lend, warned that escalating geopolitical tensions across the globe could push prices even higher.

He explained: "With oil up over 8% on the exchanges over the last month, it's unsurprising petrol is ticking up at the pumps. Tension rising in the Middle East and potential threats to shipping through the Straits of Hormuz are causing some jitters. If further conflict breaks out, expect further upward pressure, but I'd expect it to be temporary."

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