The price of diesel at forecourts across the country has soared to a new record high, following the UK's decision to move away from Russian imported oil.
Latest figures from The RAC has shown the cost of diesel now sits at 180.29p a litre - despite the 5p a litre cut on diesel that was announced two months ago.
The new costs have now soared past the previous record high of 179.90p that was recorded on March 23, 2022.
Petrol drivers may also be hit higher prices, as the average cost per litre is fast approaching the record levels of 167.3p per litre set on March 22.
It comes after Tory Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced in his Spring 2022 statement that there would be a 5p cut off fuel duty to help families already grappling with rising costs.
The latest surge in petrol prices comes as the UK has committed to phasing out Russian imported oil by the end of the year, following their invasion of Ukraine.
Russia supplies 18% of the UK's oil for diesel, which has led retailers "tightening their supply" and increasing the costs.
RAC fuel spokesperson Simon Williams said: “Sadly, despite the Chancellor’s 5p a litre duty cut the average price of a litre of diesel has hit a new record high at 180.29p. Efforts to move away from importing Russian diesel have led to a tightening of supply and pushed up the price retailers pay for diesel. While the wholesale price has eased in the last few days this is likely to be temporary, especially if the EU agrees to ban imports of Russian oil.
“Unfortunately, drivers with diesel vehicles need to brace themselves for yet more pain at the pumps. Had Mr Sunak reduced VAT to 15% as we call on him to do instead of cutting duty by 5p, drivers of diesel vehicles would be around 2p a litre better off, or £1 for every full tank. As it is, drivers are still paying 27p VAT on petrol and 29p on diesel, which is just the same as before the Spring Statement.
“The average price of petrol is also on the rise having gone up nearly 3p a litre since the start of the month to 166.65p which means it’s less than a penny away from the all-time high of 167.30p set on 22 March.”
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