London, Sept. 28 (SANA) British diesel prices rose to an all-time high on Monday, adding pressure on households and businesses as U.S. President Donald Trump considers restrictions on American diesel exports that could further tighten European supplies.
The average price of diesel reached 199.18 pence a liter, surpassing the previous record of 199.09p set in June 2022, according to British motoring organization RAC.
The increase means filling a typical family car with diesel now costs almost £110, about £31 more than at the start of the U.S.-Iran conflict. Petrol prices have also risen, averaging 174.13p a liter, the RAC said.
The record comes after Trump said he was considering a ban on U.S. diesel exports “very seriously,” as his administration seeks to reduce domestic fuel costs. He acknowledged that such a move could have consequences for gasoline prices in the United States.
Several U.S. lawmakers from agricultural states have called for restrictions on diesel exports as farmers and transport operators contend with higher fuel costs. The United States has become a major source of diesel for international markets, meaning restrictions could tighten supplies elsewhere.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said the record price would affect not only motorists but businesses that depend on diesel-powered trucks and vans, potentially feeding through into the prices consumers pay for goods and services.
Diesel has risen by more than 56 pence a liter since late February, while petrol has increased by more than 41 pence, according to the RAC, reflecting disruption to global energy markets during the U.S.-Iran conflict.
Williams said a sustained decline in global oil prices would be needed before British motorists saw meaningful relief at the pump.
The prospect of U.S. export restrictions has raised concerns in Britain because European fuel markets rely partly on American supplies. Economists and industry groups have also warned that restricting exports could disrupt international fuel markets without necessarily producing lasting reductions in U.S. prices.
With diesel used extensively in freight and commercial transport, further increases could add to costs across the British economy as businesses pass higher transportation expenses on to consumers.
kA/ABD
