Motorists are being urged to think twice about “non-essential” car journeys after global oil prices surged past $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022 amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Fuel prices are climbing again - and drivers are being warned it could soon cost much more to fill up.
The spike has already started pushing up costs at UK forecourts, with petrol and diesel prices rising in recent days – and experts warning further increases are likely if oil markets remain volatile.
With the cost of driving already high due to insurance, tax and maintenance, industry figures say many motorists may need to rethink how often they get behind the wheel.
Pump prices already rising
The cost of filling up has already started to increase.
Since the conflict began in late February, the average price of petrol in the UK has risen by around 5p to 137.5p per litre, while diesel has jumped by 9p to about 151p per litre.
Analysts say that if oil prices remain above $100 a barrel, petrol could climb towards 150p per litre, with even higher prices possible if markets continue to rise.
Motoring groups warn drivers should brace for further increases.
Drivers urged to rethink trips
Experts say motorists could reduce the impact by cutting back on journeys that are not essential and driving more efficiently.
AA president Edmund King said rising oil prices will inevitably feed through to pump prices if the conflict continues.
“The longer this conflict goes on, the more effect it will have on the cost of oil,” he said.
“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.”
Simple steps such as smoother acceleration, avoiding heavy braking and combining trips can also help drivers use less fuel.
Two depressing graphs to contrast where we are now with the conflict in the Middle East to the peak of the Russia Ukraine energy crisis.
The first is the price of oil, which drives petrol costs, heating oil costs, and risks knock on inflationary costs including to food as the… pic.twitter.com/fxCBTFt9s9— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) March 9, 2026
Many drivers already cutting back
However, industry figures say many motorists have already been forced to change their habits because of the rising cost of driving.
John Cassidy, managing director at Close Brothers Motor Finance, said the latest spike in fuel prices has come at a difficult time for drivers.
“The spike in fuel prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East has been a bolt from the blue for everyone – not least the nation’s drivers,” he said.
“It’s heaping further pressure on motorists at a time when the cost of driving is already elevated through insurance premiums, tax and maintenance costs.”
Research by the company found nearly half of drivers (49%) were already driving less often to save money on fuel, with many switching to public transport, walking or cycling more frequently.
Prices could climb further
Motoring experts say drivers should prepare for further rises if oil prices stay high.
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, warned the outlook for drivers is worsening.
“Average petrol and diesel prices have rocketed in the last week and are unfortunately likely to keep on rising,” he said.
“Unleaded is almost certainly going to reach an average of around 140p in the next week or so, while diesel looks highly likely to climb to at least 160p a litre.”
He advised drivers to continue filling up normally but to shop around for cheaper forecourts.
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Calls for government support
If fuel prices remain high in the months ahead, some experts say the government may need to step in to ease the pressure on motorists.
Cassidy said many people depend on their vehicles for work and everyday life.
“Should elevated fuel prices continue into the medium to long-term future, government support should be considered to reduce the shock impact on the personal finances of motorists,” he said.
With millions relying on their cars for commuting and business, drivers may now face difficult choices about when – and how often – they get behind the wheel.
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