Petrol prices to rise from July 1 - what drivers must do before then

The escalating crisis between Israel and Iran have triggered a rise in oil prices, with the tensions causing the largest single-day oil price surge in the last three years

Drivers who run on petrol and diesel are being encouraged to top up their tanks by July 1, ahead of anticipated price hikes.

UK families have been warned that petrol costs might skyrocket, with the recommendation to take advantage of present prices while they last.

The intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran has sparked an increase in oil prices, leading to the most significant single-day spike in oil costs in three years. Brent crude leapt almost 10% in one night last week before closing at 7% higher, priced at $74 per barrel – this increase foreshadows a possible cessation of the cheap fuel era as July approaches.

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Speaking out was Luke Bosdet, from the AA, who indicated: "Bottom-line, the falls in the average pump price of petrol that took it down from 139.8p a litre in February to 132p this week will come to an end."

Luke further commented on the broader implications: "Inevitably, conflict in the Middle East forces up the price of oil and threatens higher pump prices in the UK."

According to the RAC, it typically takes a fortnight for shifts in wholesale fuel rates to be noticeable at the pumps, reports the Express.

This suggests that it could be benefical for car owners to brim their vehicles before June exits. Rhydian Jones, a motoring insurance specialist at Confused.com, has recommended that motorists scavenge for the best deals as a way to economise.

Mr Jones stated that there are several straightforward strategies that vehicle drivers can adopt to restrict their fuel usage.

Further adding to his advice, he mentioned: "Simple changes to your driving habits can help reduce fuel consumption and cut down how often you need to fill up.

"These include removing unnecessary weight from your car, keeping tyres properly inflated, driving gently without overusing the accelerator, keeping windows closed, and avoiding idling whenever possible."

Meanwhile, May saw a welcome decrease in petrol costs as prices dipped by 2p, hitting a near four-year low according to RAC Fuel Watch.

Motoring enthusiasts were pleased to learn that petrol prices have tumbled to their lowest since the beginning of July 2021, whilst diesel also dropped by 2p, sliding below 139p for the first time since September 28, 2021.

At the month's close, the price per litre of petrol was dialed back from 134p at May's outset to 132.3p, and diesel diminished from 140.5p to 138.4p.

Albeit modest, the 2p reduction has lightened the financial burden of refueling a typical 55-litre family vehicle last month, trimming down the cost by about £1.

In further positive news for drivers, supermarket fuel stations are pricing litres of unleaded at just 129p and diesel at 135p, both undercutting the national averages by 3p.