Equestrian industry hit in the pocket as cost of diesel hits record high
The high cost of diesel will be felt not only by those transporting horses, but by many of those living and working in other areas of the equestrian industry too
The cost of filling up a horsebox or towing vehicle will leave a record-sized dint in riders’ pockets as the price of diesel hits new heights.
The RAC head of policy Simon Williams said this week (28 September) that the average price of a litre of diesel “has now reached the highest level in UK history at 199.18p”.
The RAC calculated that the average cost per litre of diesel in 2025 was 142.88p, which meant that topping up with 50 litres of fuel would have cost, on average, £71.44. To put the same amount in today will set equestrians back just shy of £100 (£99.59) – an increase of nearly £30.
When fuel prices increase, it means prices of other goods and services may also rise as they cost more to produce and deliver. The effect of the US/Iran war, which started in February, is one of the main reasons why fuel prices are so high.
Mr Williams said the record high is a “financial blow to households and businesses that use their vehicles regularly”.
“By eclipsing the previous highest price of 199.09p seen in June 2022, the diesel price has entered new uncharted territory. This spells pain not only at the pumps for drivers, but for everyone who buys goods or services that rely on diesel lorries and vans; undoubtedly these increased costs will be passed on to consumers,” he said, adding that petrol prices are also continuing to rise.
"These extraordinarily high prices are another reminder of just how exposed the UK is to events occurring far away from its shores. Only a sustained lower oil price – over several weeks, not days – will lead to cheaper prices at the pumps. Suggestions of a renewed deal to end the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and get oil supplies moving freely again had offered a slight glimmer of hope for drivers.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
"The UK might have limited leverage when it comes to ending the US/Iran war and ultimately bringing oil prices down, but the Government could take steps to ease the burden on drivers by lowering fuel duty further or reducing VAT.
“As things stand, another 5p a litre will be loaded on to pump prices by the spring if the current fuel duty cut is fully reversed as planned.”
- To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website
Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.