'Glimmer of light' as UK petrol and diesel 'finally begin to drop'

'Glimmer of light' as UK petrol and diesel 'finally begin to drop'The RAC has given an updateCommentsMoneySteven Smith Content Editor11:11, 17 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesThere has been pain at the pumps(Image: richard johnson via Getty Images)UK drivers are being given some good news for the first time since the Iran war began at the end of February. The US and Israel attacks on Iran sent global oil prices rocketing and prices at the pumps in the UK soared rapidly as a result.‌From relatively stable costs at the start of the year, with prices for both fuels sitting in the 130p to 140p range, the shock was hard and fast, with prices heading towards 160p for petrol and north of 190p for diesel, adding a substantial cost to filling a tank. However, a tentative ceasefire has led to oil prices dropping back below $100 dollars per barrel, although they remain well above where they were before the latest conflict began.‌The key reason for oil soaring was the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for the world's supply. It remains severely restricted via a US blockade and Iranian attempts to control which ships pass through and it is a central focal point for what happens to fuel prices.‌On Friday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he would “do everything I can” to alleviate the impact of the Iran war on the public and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.View 3 ImagesAround 30p has been added to petrol and 50p to diesel(Image: Carl Court, Getty Images)Asked what the point of Friday’s meeting with fellow leaders in Paris was, the Prime Minister told reporters: “It is very important that we build a coalition of countries around the principle that the ceasefire should be permanent, there should be a deal, and that the Strait of Hormuz is open. It is in all of our interests to do that, because what’s happening in the war in Iran is affecting each of our economies.‌“That’s why countries are coming together. Everybody is clear that in order for that...