| Petrol (w/c 15 Jun 2026) | 155.5p per litre (down from 158.8p peak, late May) |
| Diesel (w/c 15 Jun 2026) | 176.7p per litre (down from 192.1p peak, mid-April) |
| Why falling now | US-Iran ceasefire reopened Strait of Hormuz; Brent crude below $80 |
| Fuel duty | 52.95p/litre unchanged; 1p rise due 1 September 2026 |
| Further cuts expected | AA forecasts further falls as wholesale prices drop through mid-summer |
Last reviewed: 20 June 2026 | Sources: DESNZ, gov.uk, AA
Current UK fuel prices
According to the latest weekly road fuel price statistics published by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), for the week commencing 15 June 2026, the average price of unleaded petrol (E10) in the UK stood at 155.54p per litre. Diesel (B7) averaged 176.71p per litre. Both figures represent a continuation of a downward trend that started in late May 2026.
The diesel-petrol premium has narrowed to 21.17p per litre. At the height of the Middle East disruption in April, this spread peaked at nearly 34p per litre as diesel - which is more dependent on imported refined product - was hit harder by supply disruption than petrol.
- Petrol peak in 2026: 158.78p/litre (late May)
- Diesel peak in 2026: 192.14p/litre (mid-April)
- One year ago (May 2025): petrol 131.99p, diesel 138.37p
- Fuel duty: 52.95p/litre - rises to 53.95p on 1 September 2026
- VAT: 20% applied to pump price
- Ofgem energy price cap fell 7% on 1 April 2026
Why prices surged earlier in 2026
The sharp rise in UK pump prices from late February 2026 was driven primarily by disruption to the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passes. Geopolitical tensions involving Iran tightened supply and pushed Brent crude sharply higher. Even the perceived risk of disruption is sufficient to move wholesale markets, as traders price in supply risk before any physical shortage materialises.
Because the UK imports a significant portion of its refined fuel, and because LNG - used in gas-fired power stations that often set the marginal price of electricity - also passes through or around the region, the disruption affected both road fuel and household energy bills simultaneously.
What is driving prices down now
A ceasefire agreement brokered with US involvement has reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial tanker traffic. Brent crude has fallen below $80 per barrel. The AA has reported that petrol at the pump had already fallen 4.6p per litre before the full extent of the deal was reflected in wholesale markets, with diesel down nearly 9p from its April peak.
Wholesale prices feed through to pump prices with a lag of typically one to three weeks, meaning further reductions are expected through late June and July 2026 as the wholesale drop is passed on at the forecourt.
Fuel duty: what changes are coming
The current fuel duty rate of 52.95p per litre - which reflects the 5p temporary reduction introduced in 2022 and retained since - is due to rise. Under the current schedule, duty will increase by 1p per litre on 1 September 2026, followed by a further 2p rise in December 2026 and 2p more in March 2027. By April 2027, duty will have returned to 57.95p per litre and will then rise in line with inflation annually.
VAT at 20% is applied to the total pump price including duty, meaning any duty rise amplifies the consumer impact beyond the headline pence figure. A 1p duty rise adds approximately 1.2p to the pump price once VAT is included.
How to find cheaper fuel near you
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) operates a real-time fuel price comparison service under the Road Fuel Prices Scheme. All major forecourts are required to submit daily pricing data. Drivers can access this through petrolprices.com or compatible navigation apps. Supermarket forecourts typically offer prices 5-8p per litre below motorway service stations on average, according to historical DESNZ data.
Why are UK petrol prices falling in June 2026?
A US-brokered ceasefire has reopened the Strait of Hormuz to oil tanker traffic, pushing Brent crude below $80 a barrel. The wholesale fall is feeding through to UK pump prices with a lag of one to three weeks.
What is the current UK petrol price in June 2026?
According to DESNZ official data for the week of 15 June 2026, the UK average petrol price is 155.54p per litre and diesel is 176.71p per litre, both down significantly from their 2026 peaks.
Will UK fuel prices keep falling in summer 2026?
Further reductions are expected through late June and July if wholesale prices remain at current levels. However, fuel duty rises are scheduled for September 2026 (1p), December 2026 (2p) and March 2027 (2p), which will push prices back up independent of oil market movements.
When does UK fuel duty go up?
Fuel duty rises by 1p per litre on 1 September 2026. A further 2p follows in December 2026 and another 2p in March 2027, returning duty to 57.95p per litre before transitioning to inflation-linked annual rises from April 2027.
How can I find the cheapest petrol near me?
The CMA's Road Fuel Prices Scheme requires major forecourts to publish daily prices. Comparison tools such as petrolprices.com use this data. Supermarket forecourts are typically 5-8p per litre cheaper than motorway service stations.
