The UK average diesel price hit 199.11p per litre, breaking the previous record of 199.09p set on June 25, 2022, according to PetrolPrices. Nearly half of stations are charging 199.9p or more, and there have been about 78,000 diesel price increases so far in September.

The RAC said diesel averaged between 198.32p and 199.05p late last week, up 14.5p in September and 55p since February 28. Petrol stood at 173.60p, up nearly 12p in September and more than 40p since February 28. Brent crude is around $106 a barrel, driven by the US-Iran conflict.

The Express reported that government contingency plans on the table include maximum purchase limits, restricted selling hours, priority filling for emergency services, utilities and public transport, and a temporary nationwide 50mph speed limit.

These measures come from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s published National Emergency Plan for Fuel. They are emergency plans to be activated only in severe disruption, and none have been implemented. No fresh government statement on the plans has appeared in the last 48 hours. Sky News reported the UK had just 42 days of diesel stocks as of July.