UK diesel supplies under pressure as prices approach record high
Global shortages and disruption to international fuel markets are raising concerns over Britain's reliance on imported diesel, although forecourts continue to receive supplies as n
By Sky News
Pressure is building on Britain’s diesel market as disruption to global supplies pushes prices towards record levels and raises questions about the country’s dependence on imported fuel.
There is currently no indication of widespread shortages at UK filling stations, and the Government says petrol and diesel continue to be supplied to forecourts as normal.
However, international diesel markets have tightened considerably following disruption to energy supplies from the Middle East and Russia.
The problem is particularly important for Britain because a substantial proportion of the diesel used on UK roads is imported rather than produced domestically.
Government analysis has previously shown that Britain sources diesel from a wide range of countries, with the United States, Netherlands and Belgium among its biggest suppliers.
That diversity provides some protection when individual supply routes are disrupted, but it does not insulate the UK from a wider global shortage.
Diesel inventories across Europe and other major markets have fallen sharply this year as conflict affects refineries, shipping routes and exports.
Russia has restricted diesel exports following attacks on its refining infrastructure, while disruption in the Middle East has reduced supplies from another important producing region.
The strain is already feeding through to motorists.
The average UK diesel price reached 197.31p a litre on September 24, according to the RAC, leaving it less than 2p below the record set in June 2022.
At that price, filling a typical 55-litre family car costs more than £108.
Diesel is particularly important to the wider economy because it remains heavily used by haulage companies, delivery fleets, construction businesses and agriculture.
Sustained increases can therefore affect more than motorists, with higher transport costs potentially feeding through into the price of goods and services.
Concerns have also focused on Britain’s fuel stocks and whether prolonged international disruption could eventually make it harder or more expensive to secure sufficient supplies.
The Government publishes regular statistics covering road fuel sales, deliveries and stock levels and says the situation continues to be monitored.
Ministers have stressed that the UK has a diverse and resilient supply chain and that there is currently no need for motorists to change their normal buying behaviour.
Earlier this year, the Government also delayed restrictions affecting imports of diesel and aviation fuel refined from Russian crude amid concerns about the effect that tighter rules could have on fuel availability during a period of severe disruption to international energy markets.
The measure reflected the difficulty governments face in reducing reliance on Russian-linked energy while avoiding additional pressure on already constrained fuel supplies.
For now, the immediate issue for motorists is price rather than physical availability.
There are no verified reports of widespread UK forecourt shortages or fuel rationing, and suppliers continue to deliver diesel normally.
But the global outlook remains uncertain.
Industry analysts expect diesel markets to remain tight into 2027, with relatively little spare refining capacity available if further disruptions occur.
That means Britain’s ability to secure supplies will continue to depend partly on international markets remaining open and on alternative exporters being able to increase production.
The situation is therefore very different from the fuel shortages experienced in 2021, when a lack of tanker drivers disrupted deliveries despite fuel being available at terminals.
The current concern originates further up the supply chain, with a global shortage of diesel itself pushing wholesale costs higher.
For households and businesses, the clearest sign of that pressure is already visible at the pump.
Whether it develops into a more serious supply problem will depend largely on how long disruption to international refineries and export routes continues.