Photos show diesel at 202.9p in Lewes as war in Middle East causes fuel prices to rise

The pictures were taken on the morning of Monday, September 28, at the BP station on Malling Hill.

The images were submitted on the same day the RAC reported that diesel prices had reached a ‘record high’.

In a statement released by the RAC on Monday, head of policy Simon Williams said: “The average price of a litre of diesel has now reached the highest level in UK history at 199.18p, in what will be a financial blow to households and businesses that use their vehicles regularly. The cost of filling up an average family car is now almost £110, £31 more than it was at the start of the US/Iran conflict.”

Simon said the new price had ‘eclipsed’ the previous highest price of 199.09p, which was seen in June 2022, adding that diesel prices had entered ‘new uncharted territory’.

He said: “This spells pain not only at the pumps for drivers, but for everyone who buys goods or services that rely on diesel lorries and vans; undoubtedly these increased costs will be passed on to consumers.”

Simon said petrol prices are continuing to rise as well, with a litre of unleaded costing about 174.13p on average, which is 41p more than at the start of the war.

He said: “These extraordinarily high prices are another reminder of just how exposed the UK is to events occurring far away from its shores.”

The photos sent to this newspaper show the price of regular unleaded at the Malling Hill station standing at 179.9p.

According to fuelmap.co.uk, as of September 25, the cheapest fuel in Lewes can be found at ESSO at the North Chailey Crossroads (173.9p unleaded, 201.9p diesel).

These are the other fuel prices for Lewes, according to the website:

Offham Garage and Store – 174.9p unleaded, 203.9p diesel.

Tesco supermarket, BN7 2BY – 175.9p unleaded, 199.9p diesel.

ESSO, Brighton Road – 175.9p unleaded, 199.9p diesel.

Murco, The Busy Bee Garage, BN8 5QF – 177.9p unleaded, 199.9p diesel.