Fuel prices rise again - Middle East tensions send global fuel prices soaring to record highs
Fuel prices have climbed sharply this week as oil markets react to rising tensions in the Middle East. Both diesel and petrol costs jumped on Friday, with further increases expected over the weekend. The surge follows a steep rise in crude oil prices driven by regional conflict and supply disruptions.
The latest spike began after a series of attacks in the Middle East escalated over the weekend before 11 March 2026. US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered a chain reaction, pushing Brent crude prices up by roughly 16% to $85.12 per barrel. The conflict disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian forces attacked an oil tanker and threatened to block the key route. Nearly all maritime traffic through the strait has since halted.
Additional pressure came from Kuwait shutting down its Mina Abdulla refinery. Saudi Aramco announced plans to reroute oil shipments, while countries like Austria released emergency reserves to ease supply shortages. By Friday, Brent crude had surged further, closing at around $103 per barrel. At German pumps, the impact was immediate. Diesel prices rose by 1.9 cents to €2.149 per litre on Friday. E10 super unleaded also increased, reaching a national average of €2.028 per litre—up 1.2 cents from the previous day. Early Saturday figures suggest both fuels will cost even more in the coming hours.
The price hikes reflect ongoing instability in the oil market, with no immediate signs of easing. Drivers now face higher costs at the pump, while analysts monitor whether diplomatic efforts or alternative supply routes will stabilise prices. For now, the conflict's economic ripple effects continue to push fuel expenses upward.
