Fuel Price Surge Sparks Panic Buying as Iran Conflict Disrupts Oil Supplies
Drivers across the United Kingdom have been urged to avoid panic buying amid reports of long queues forming at fuel forecourts, as escalating conflict in the Middle East sends oil prices soaring. The price of Brent crude oil surged to $82 a barrel in early trading on Tuesday, sparking concerns that pump prices could soon follow suit.
Middle East Tensions Threaten Global Oil Shipments
The conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel has raised fears that shipments of oil and gas through the critical Strait of Hormuz could be severely disrupted. An Iranian official has warned that his country would "set fire to anyone who tries to pass through" the strategic waterway, which carries approximately one-fifth of globally consumed oil.
This threat has already impacted shipping, with supertanker costs in the Middle East reaching record highs and traffic through the Strait of Hormuz grinding to a near halt after vessels were targeted in retaliatory strikes.
Forecourt Queues and Supply Concerns
Pictures have emerged showing lengthy queues at a Costco forecourt in Liverpool, while signs reading "sorry out of use" appeared at a petrol station in Croydon, south London. It remains unclear whether these shortages stem from a sudden spike in demand or underlying supply issues.
Luke Bosdet of the AA motoring group advised: "There is no need for drivers to refuel any differently than normal. Not only does it take time for cost increases to work their way through to the pump, but spring is nearly here and car fuel consumption drops."
Regional Price Disparities Across the UK
Despite average petrol prices falling by nearly 4p per litre since the start of 2026, analysts warn that the ongoing conflict could reverse this trend. Current data reveals significant regional variations:
- The national average for a litre of petrol stands at 131.5p.
- In Maidstone, Kent, motorists pay an average of 137.9p per litre, adding £3.52 extra to fill a standard family car.
- Prices are lower in Northern Ireland, with drivers in Lisburn and Castlereagh paying over 10p less per litre than the national average.
- The cheapest petrol in England is at a Sainsbury's garage in County Durham, charging 122.9p per litre.
- The most expensive forecourt is an Asda station at M74 Southbound, South Lanarkshire, where standard petrol costs 163.9p per litre.
For diesel car owners, the cheapest filling point is the Asda garage at East March in North East Lincolnshire, where a litre costs 129.7p.
Government Measures and Future Outlook
In response to price disparities, the government has mandated all petrol stations to publish daily prices, extending a previously voluntary industry scheme. AA president Edmund King commented: "Obviously, some global oil distribution disruption will continue depending on the length of the conflict and issues in the Strait of Hormuz. Pump prices in the coming weeks will inevitably increase, possibly in the short term back up to where they were at the start of the year."
As tensions persist, drivers are advised to monitor local fuel prices and avoid unnecessary stockpiling, which could exacerbate supply issues.
