UK diesel crisis: 40 days of stockpile left as prices hit record highs

Britain faces a critical fuel crisis as diesel prices hit record levels, with analysis showing the UK has only about 40 days of emergency diesel import stockpile left as of July 2026. The warning comes from energy expert Ellen Fraser, who spoke on BBC Radio 4's Moneybox amid speculation that US President Donald Trump may impose a total ban on diesel exports. Government statistics indicate roughly a third of UK diesel imports come from the US, and economist Thomas Pugh warned such a ban would have an "immediate effect" on sectors including road haulage, agriculture, construction, and distribution. Sky News research, based on multiple data sources, underpins the 40-day stockpile figure. Drivers are already considering filling tanks early as prices may soar further, with the crisis exposing the UK's heavy reliance on US diesel supplies.