Red Diesel Prices Soar Over 50% in a Year, Impacting English Agriculture
What happened
Red diesel prices in England have risen by more than 50% in a year, according to industry estimates tracked by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. The AHDB estimates UK red diesel reached 112.95p per litre in September 2026, a significant increase from 75.21p during the same month last year. The AHDB also noted that its red diesel indicator rose by 7.8% in a single month, climbing from 104.77p per litre in August.
From farminguk.com
Why it matters
Fuel is a widely used input in British agriculture, with 98% of commercial farm businesses in England using red diesel during 2024/25. The sharp increase in diesel costs raises machinery running costs for farmers during the busy autumn fieldwork period.
From farminguk.com
Who's involved
- Agriculture and Horticulture Development BoardTracking diesel prices and estimating the impact of cost increases in England.
- EnglandThe geographical area where the diesel price surge is impacting the agricultural sector.
- Department for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsPublished figures showing that 98% of commercial farm businesses in England used red diesel in 2024/25.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- EnglandSpeculative
Farmers in England might face higher machinery running costs due to the diesel price surge.
Farming businesses regulated by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs might see increased input costs.
- ArlaSpeculative
Arla might face increased supply chain costs due to higher fuel prices for dairy farms.
- British Retail ConsortiumSpeculative
British Retail Consortium members might see increased supply chain costs stemming from higher agricultural input costs.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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England
country in north-west Europe, part of the United Kingdom
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Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board
UK non-departmental public body funded by farmers and growers
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