A wave of anxiety is gripping drivers across the UK as reports surface of petrol stations running dry. Long lines, stretching for nearly 100 cars at a single location, are becoming a common sight, fueled by fears of escalating fuel prices and potential shortages.
The crisis stems from escalating tensions in the Middle East. Following recent strikes, Iran has initiated retaliatory attacks, prompting companies to halt all shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz – a waterway responsible for transporting approximately 20% of the world’s oil and gas.
The immediate impact has been a dramatic surge in oil prices. Brent crude jumped 13% – reaching levels not seen since 2024 – before settling at $79 a barrel. This spike is already translating into “Sorry we are out” signs appearing at stations nationwide, from Greater Manchester to Liverpool and beyond.
While the UK’s fuel supply hasn’t completely collapsed, a surge in “panic buying” is exacerbating the problem. The AA has urged calm, but the sight of queues snaking onto nearby roads is proving difficult to ignore for concerned motorists.
Experts warn that a complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a catastrophic ripple effect. One analyst predicts a “violent upward gap” in prices, potentially pushing fragile economies towards recession within weeks, and tightening financial conditions globally.
Insurers are now hesitant to cover vessels navigating the Strait, and the US has admitted it cannot guarantee safe passage, suggesting the disruption could persist for days. This uncertainty is driving the current scramble for fuel.
However, not all experts are sounding the alarm. Some believe a significant and sustained rise in oil prices is needed before UK pump prices are dramatically affected. A price of $100 a barrel, they suggest, could push petrol closer to 150p per litre, but it remains uncertain.
The government is closely monitoring the situation, with the Energy Secretary engaging with the International Energy Agency. Officials maintain that the UK currently benefits from a robust and diverse energy supply, and there are no immediate reported impacts to fuel availability.
Despite these assurances, the anxiety remains palpable. The unfolding events in the Middle East have created a climate of uncertainty, leaving drivers bracing for potential further disruption and higher costs at the pump.
