The price at the pump is hitting hard
If you're feeling the pinch every time you pull up to a petrol station in Scotland, you aren't tripping—it's highkey expensive right now. Recent data shows that diesel has crossed the £2-per-litre threshold at over 226 sites across the country, from the Borders all the way to Shetland. In some remote island and rural areas, prices are even more wild, reaching as high as 238.8p per litre.
Why the vibes are off for businesses
Real talk: this is a nightmare for anyone in the haulage game. According to the Road Haulage Association (RHA), operators are shelling out roughly £250 extra per week just to keep a single vehicle on the road. For business owners like Dave Neil in Orkney, that number jumps to an eye-watering £400 a week. It’s giving major stress to local farmers, crofters, and charities like New Start Highland, who rely on vans to deliver essentials to people in crisis. Many hauliers are now forced to pass these costs onto customers through surcharges just to stay afloat.
The big picture
So, what's causing this? The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the war in Russia-Ukraine have sent the cost of crude oil soaring. The RAC expects the average UK diesel price to hit an all-time record high this weekend. Currently, the UK is sitting on the most expensive diesel in Europe, with a 55-litre fill-up for a family car now costing around £109.
Why it matters
The RHA is pushing for the UK government to introduce an essential user rebate, similar to what you see in countries like France and Spain. While the government has extended a 5p fuel duty cut until the end of December, businesses and drivers are feeling the pressure of a market that’s currently in chaos. With no signs of the oil market cooling down, your wallet is going to keep taking the hit.
