Petrol and diesel prices in the UK have hit their highest levels in four years, according to the RAC, a motoring services company. On Tuesday, the average price of a litre of petrol at UK filling stations reached 170.54p, while diesel climbed to 192.86p. This means that filling a family car with fuel has become significantly more expensive, with petrol now costing £94 and diesel £106 — an increase of nearly £5 since the start of September. These prices are the highest for diesel since July 2022 and for petrol since August 2022. Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said that fuel costs are expected to rise further, as oil prices remain above $100 a barrel, a key benchmark for global crude oil. Fuel duty, the tax applied to petrol and diesel, is set to increase from January. However, Williams argued that there is a case for keeping it at its current level at least until the end of the current Parliament, which is expected to conclude in 2024. The Treasury has been contacted for comment on this matter. On Monday, international oil prices rose as tensions in the Middle East escalated. Brent crude, a major benchmark for global oil prices, increased by nearly 3 per cent after new strikes targeted Saudi Arabia and Gulf shipping. This follows a previous attack on a Saudi oil pipeline. Oil prices also surpassed $100 a barrel for the first time since July, driven by ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. US officials reported that several Iranian oil tankers had been attacked in response to missile strikes on a US Navy warship. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has raised concerns about the possibility of a peace deal this year, with the situation appearing to worsen. Richard Hunter, head of markets at Interactive Investor, noted that efforts to reach a resolution seem stalled. Recent developments include Iran targeting a US military base in Jordan in retaliation for US strikes on its oil tankers, and Iranian-backed Houthi forces attacking cities in Saudi Arabia. These events come at a time of year when colder weather is approaching, potentially reducing fuel supply and adding to inflationary pressures that are already affecting consumer spending and investor confidence.