Brits told to ‘drive less’ amid fears over rising fuel costs due to Iran war

A surge in prices for the first time in four years

On Monday, drivers were discouraged from taking “non-essential” car journeys, amid fears drivers could rush to the pumps in response to the supply restrictions.

The price of crude oil surged past $100 a barrel on Monday, as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and restrictions on exports through the Strait of Hormuz.

This is the first time that there has been such a surge in prices, since 2022 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Recently, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that he is in discussions with international partners to protect British businesses from the effects of the Iran War.

Automobile Association president Edmund King, who issued the advice, also suggested that motorists should change their driving style to be more fuel efficient.

“The longer this conflict goes on, the more effect it will have on the cost of oil”, King said.

“Any time Brent Crude passes 100 dollars per barrel raises concern across the markets, for the haulage industry and drivers”, he added.

“There will be gradual increases in pump prices, but this shouldn’t happen overnight as fuel has been purchased at previous prices.

“Our suggestion is that drivers should not change their refuelling habits but can consider cutting out some non-essential journeys and changing their driving style to conserve fuel.”

Following the outbreak of conflict, the Prime Minister told the public they are “right to worry” about “bills and jobs”.

“The job of government ‌is obviously to get ahead, look around the corner, to work with others,” Prime Minister Starmer said.

He added that the government is “talking to our international partners, as well, about what more we can do together to reduce the likely impact ⁠on people here”.

The average price of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts has increased by 5p to 137.5p, while diesel is up 9p to 151.0p, since the war began on February 28.