UK motorists face higher petrol and diesel costs amid escalating Middle East tensions that began six weeks ago. Strikes by the US and Israel on Iranian facilities since February 28 have triggered Iranian drone and missile strikes across the region, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a key route for 20% of global oil trade.
RAC Fuel Watch data shows the national average for unleaded petrol at 158.31p per litre and diesel at 191.54p per litre early Friday, April 17.
Supermarket Petrol Prices
The lowest supermarket petrol prices ahead of the weekend appear at Tesco, averaging 155.3p per litre, with Asda close behind at 155.5p per litre. Morrisons and Sainsbury’s both average 155.7p per litre, marking the higher end among major supermarkets.
Petrol Prices at Other Brands
- Essar: 153.9p per litre
- JET: 157p per litre
- Murco: 157.9p per litre
- Texaco: 158.4p per litre
- Asda : 158.7p per litre
- Esso: 159.5p per litre
- BP: 160.5p per litre
- Shell: 162.6p per litre
Supermarket Diesel Prices
Tesco offers the most affordable diesel at 181.1p per litre, followed by Asda at 182.1p per litre. Morrisons averages 183.0p per litre, while Sainsbury’s stands at 183.2p per litre.
Diesel Prices at Other Brands
- Essar: 187.9p per litre
- JET: 191p per litre
- Asda : 191.2p per litre
- Texaco: 192.2p per litre
- Murco: 192.9p per litre
- Esso: 193.4p per litre
- BP: 194.2p per litre
- Shell: 196.5p per litre
Overall, Essar provides the cheapest petrol option on Friday, while Tesco leads for diesel.
