More than 200 fuel stations in Scotland have seen diesel prices rise above £2 per litre, with some of the most severe increases recorded in isolated rural and island regions, according to a recent analysis of Scottish forecourts.
The Highest Fuel Costs Affect Island Communities
Scotland’s islands are experiencing unprecedented diesel rates, paying up to 50p more per litre in certain areas than those at major supermarket pumps located in the central belt. Current pricing data shows that forecourts across the Hebrides have hit rates of 238.8p and 223p per litre, while prices in the Northern Isles have been logged at 209.0p and 208.9p per litre.
This surge is especially tough for local hauliers. Norman MacAskill, who operates N D MacAskill & Son from South Uist, recalled that 40 years ago, the cost to fill up a lorry was just 32p per litre—today, that number stands at £2.22 per litre. Calling the rapid increase “devastating,” MacAskill stressed that “there’s no business on earth that can withstand that increase in costs.”
Running a business that moves livestock across Scotland and to northern England, MacAskill now faces an additional £250 per week per lorry just to keep his trucks operational. He warns these expenses threaten the survival of long-established businesses.
Increasing Diesel Prices Challenge Hauliers and Local Business
Others report similar financial stress. Dave Neil, who manages Sinclair Haulage and serves Sanday, Stronsay, and Eday in Orkney, finds himself paying an extra £400 per week for diesel compared to earlier months. He has responded by imposing a fuel surcharge for his customers, but says rates could fall again if fuel prices drop.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) says that the fuel cost hike typically adds about £250 each week to each vehicle, advocating for the UK government to abandon further planned fuel duty increases scheduled for January, March, and April. The RHA also calls for an “essential user rebate” for operators, similar to what Spain, France, and Italy provide. Richard Smith, RHA’s Managing Director, remarked, “It’s about time we caught up.”
Producers and smallholders are also impacted. The National Farmers’ Union Scotland highlighted that escalating diesel costs directly inflate food production expenses, a major concern as farmers approach harvesting and more fuel-intensive autumn activities where cuts are not feasible.
Amy Henderson, a crofter and musician based in Kiltarlity, shared how rising costs have affected her personally: “It is just deflating. Life is hard enough as it is.” She explained that transport expenses now influence her decisions about bookings and which vehicle to use.
Charities are not immune. James Dunbar, chief executive of Inverness’s New Start Highland, explained, “Rising fuel prices have a direct impact on us as a charity, as well as the individuals we support.” The organisation, which distributes donated goods with its fleet of vans, is moving toward electric vehicles, but Dunbar pointed out that higher fuel prices still create additional hardship for those who rely on their services.
National Actions and Ongoing Record Highs
Global crude prices have risen due to continued conflict in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine, leading to more expensive fuel and energy throughout the UK. The RAC recently forecasted that the UK’s average diesel price was on track to reach a record level, with Simon Williams, its head of policy, noting that the national average was 198.32p per litre. As a result, the cost to refill a standard 55-litre family vehicle has reached £109. The RAC also reported that UK diesel currently tops European prices by 12p over the next highest country, Finland.
Petrol prices are also climbing, now at a four-year high average of 173.6p per litre. RAC figures reveal a surge of nearly 12p in September for petrol—and a jump of over 40p since the onset of hostilities in Iran—while diesel increased by 14.5p in September and a staggering 55p since February 28.
According to the Automobile Association (AA), its lobbying prompted the government to introduce greater transparency on pump prices. This led to the launch of websites and phone apps for motorists to monitor and compare fuel costs. The AA opposes removing the Treasury’s 5p per litre fuel duty reduction brought in during March 2022 and sees valid reasons for extra diesel relief. The organisation highlighted that, unlike larger companies that can increase prices for their customers, smaller operators such as taxi drivers and mobile trades are less able to immediately pass these costs along.
The latest statement from the UK government confirms that fuel duty will not rise this year, and the current temporary cut in fuel duty now lasts until 31 December. Officials claim the 5p decrease means diesel costs are currently 11p per litre lower than they would have been under previous arrangements.