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White van men face being driven off the road as diesel costs explode to 20-year high

Sky-high diesel costs hit a 20-year peak, sparking fears that white van men and small firms will be driven bust while pushing up bills for every UK household

[A white van at a petrol station operated by Shell in London]

White van men are "bleeding cash" as diesel prices soar(Image: Getty Images)

Hard-working tradesmen and delivery drivers are "bleeding cash" as diesel prices pull away from petrol at the fastest rate in two decades. The widening price gap is threatening to bankrupt small businesses and send the cost of a supermarket shop or a simple plumbing repair into the stratosphere.

As the Iran oil crisis tightens its grip on global markets, new data reveals diesel has hit a staggering 181p per litre - a massive 29p more than petrol's 152p average.

According to the RAC Foundation, this represents the largest disparity between the two fuels since 2003. Experts warn that the "sky-high" costs are here to stay for months.

[A sign informing customers that there is no fuel available to buy at a Tesco petrol station in Worcester]

Some petrol stations are running out of fuel due to the conflict in the Middle East(Image: PA)

Because the UK relies heavily on imports for diesel, the fuel is spiralling in price at double the rate of petrol. However, petrol drivers aren't escaping the squeeze either, with forecourt averages hitting a 28-month high.

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said: "Diesel is the lifeblood of millions of small businesses, but today the white van man is bleeding cash just to stay on the road.

"Whether you drive or not, soaring diesel prices will take money out of your pocket, either at the pump or in the bills you pay for everything from calling out the plumber to getting a home delivery."

With 4.6 million diesel vans keeping the UK economy moving, the surge is expected to trigger a fresh wave of inflation.

AA president Edmund King said: "The extra hike in diesel prices disproportionally hits businesses, deliveries, the service industry and the self-employed."

He urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to use the "tens of millions" in extra VAT receipts the Treasury is raking in from higher prices to slash fuel taxes.

Despite the crisis, Labour has so far refused to follow other European nations in capping prices or cutting taxes.

Instead, ministers are forging ahead with a 5p-a-litre fuel duty hike this September, which will add another 3 to every tank.

The chaos follows Iran's stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, which has sent wholesale oil prices through the roof.

Since the conflict began on February 28, filling a family petrol car costs 10 morewhile diesel drivers are being stung for an extra 20 per tank.

A worrying survey by FairFuelUK found that 36.4 per cent of sole traders - including brickies and electricians - fear the current pump prices could force them to shut down for good.

Founder Howard Cox said: "FairFuelUK and its 1.8million supporters urge the government at the very least to commit to maintaining a freeze on fuel duty for the entire duration of this parliament."

The RAC's Simon Williams added: "The financial strain on the eight-in-10 motorists that tell us they depend on their cars continues to build, and at a particularly rapid rate for those who drive diesel vehicles."

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