Diesel prices in Northern Ireland have climbed to their highest point since the Iran conflict began, with average prices reaching 193.3p per litre over the past week, according to data from the Consumer Council. While this remains below the record average of 197.2p recorded in the summer of 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, some retail stations are already charging £2 per litre.
Prices have surged significantly since the US-Israeli military action against Iran in February, when diesel cost approximately 132p per litre. Data from the UK’s Department for Transport indicates that Northern Ireland has a notably higher reliance on diesel vehicles compared to other parts of the UK, with just over half of private cars using diesel fuel versus a UK average of one-third. However, sales of new diesel vehicles in Northern Ireland have declined sharply in recent years, consistent with broader trends across the country.
The Middle East conflict has severely disrupted oil production and transportation throughout the region, driving up the cost of petroleum-based fuels globally. UK-wide diesel prices have reached record levels this week, hovering just under 200p per litre according to the RAC motoring organisation. The US supplies between 1.2 and 1.5 million barrels of diesel daily to global markets, and over half of the UK’s diesel imports come from American sources.
US President Donald Trump has indicated he may request that European nations release portions of their diesel reserves and is considering restricting American diesel exports to address domestic fuel costs. While such restrictions could reduce prices in the United States, experts caution that preventing exports would intensify pressure on diesel prices in other countries unless alternative supply sources become available.
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