Motorists are being urged to consider eliminating “non-essential journeys” because fuel prices are anticipated to climb as the cost of oil surges. AA president Edmund King, who issued the guidance, also recommended drivers should alter their driving style to be more fuel efficient.

Oil prices – which have a substantial impact on the cost of wholesale fuel – have rocketed above $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022 in reaction to the Middle East conflict. Since the war commenced on February 28, the average price of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts has risen by 5p to 137.5p, while diesel is up 9p to 151.0p.

Analysis of the historical relationship between oil and fuel prices by think tank the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit demonstrates oil trading at $100 a barrel typically leads to petrol prices of approximately 150p per litre, whilst oil reaching $120 a barrel means petrol prices of approximately 170p per litre.

Mr King said: “The longer this conflict goes on, the more effect it will have on the cost of oil. Any time Brent Crude passes $100 per barrel raises concern across the markets, for the haulage industry and drivers. There will be gradual increases in pump prices, but this shouldn’t happen overnight, as fuel has been purchased at previous prices.

“Our suggestion is that drivers should not change their refuelling habits, but can consider cutting out some non-essential journeys and changing their driving style to conserve fuel.”

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Average petrol and diesel prices have rocketed in the last week and are unfortunately likely to keep on rising, so the situation for UK drivers is looking increasingly bleak. Petrol is up 5p to 137.5p and diesel up 9p to 151p a litre since the current crisis began on Saturday, February 28.

“Unleaded is almost certainly going to reach an average of 140p in the next week or so, while diesel looks highly likely to climb to at least 160p a litre. The price of diesel is increasing more quickly now than at any point since the start of the Ukraine conflict. With oil at a sustained $100, petrol could rise towards 150p a litre – a price not seen since June 2024. Diesel could reach almost 180p, which would be a three-year high.

“We encourage drivers to continue filling up as normal, but to shop around for the best prices using apps like myRAC, as there can be big local differences between forecourts. Driving fuel efficiently by avoiding harsh accelerating and braking and ensuring tyres are inflated to the right pressures can help eke out every last mile and save money.”

How to save fuel

Matt Crole-Rees, motoring expert at Confused.com, said: “With continued uncertainty affecting global energy markets, there’s a chance that the price of fuel could increase further in the coming weeks. When oil markets become volatile, the effects are often reflected quickly at the pumps, meaning drivers can feel the impact in a short space of time. “There are also concerns that petrol prices could approach, or even surpass, the previous UK record seen in 2022 if oil costs remain elevated. If this happens, motorists across the country may start to feel the strain of higher fill-up costs.

“However, drivers shouldn’t feel pressured to rush out and fill their tanks unnecessarily, as panic buying can put extra pressure on fuel supplies and lead to temporary disruption at petrol stations. “Instead, many drivers may want to start looking for ways to make their tank last longer and stretch their fuel budget further. Making some simple changes to the way you drive can reduce the amount of fuel you use and therefore the number of times you need to top up.

• Removing excess weight from your vehicle
• Ensuring tyres are inflated to the correct pressure
• Going easy on the accelerator
• Keeping windows closed at higher speeds
• Avoiding unnecessary idling
• Shopping around for fuel