Fuel prices have dropped for the first time since the commencement of the conflict in Iran, as per the latest data from RAC. The average cost of petrol was 158.1p per liter on Thursday, a slight decrease from 158.3p the day before, while diesel saw a dip from 191.5p to 191.2p per liter.

Despite the decrease, petrol and diesel are still 25p and 49p more expensive respectively compared to the prices at the start of the conflict on February 28. The RAC mentioned that drivers would be relieved that prices have not increased further.

Simon Williams, the head of policy at RAC, stated that after 46 consecutive days of price hikes, both petrol and diesel prices have finally started to decrease slightly. He expressed optimism that wholesale prices being lower could lead to further reductions in the coming days, offering some relief to drivers.

The rise in fuel prices over the past 46 days was due to increased oil costs following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices had surged above $100 a barrel but dropped to around $98 a barrel as a 10-day ceasefire began between Israel and Lebanon. The RAC Foundation estimated that the pump price increases during the conflict have resulted in motorists paying £1.4 billion more for fuel.

To check the latest petrol and diesel prices near you, Petrol Prices offers a free online checker by entering your postcode. Additionally, RAC provides national averages for petrol and diesel, including breakdowns for supermarkets and motorway stations. The government has introduced a new “fuel finder” system, requiring all UK filling stations to report any price changes within 30 minutes to ensure transparency and enable comparison through third-party apps and websites.

Consumers can save money on fuel by avoiding costly motorway service stations and planning refueling stops strategically. Regular car maintenance is also recommended to ensure optimal fuel efficiency.