Surge in Fuel Prices in Northern Ireland Amid Iran War

Since the onset of the Iran war, fuel prices in Northern Ireland have surged significantly, with petrol prices increasing by 19% and diesel prices by 35% since late February 2026. As of early April, filling a 50-litre tank costs an average of £75 for petrol and £91 for diesel, compared to £63 and £67 respectively on February 28, the day US-Israeli airstrikes commenced. This rise is among the largest in Europe, with only seven other European countries reporting larger increases in petrol prices. The average petrol price across the UK has also risen, with a 16% increase noted since the conflict began.

The GuardianDiesel now up by over one-third in Northern Ireland since start of Iran war - and petrol up by a fifthThe Irish NewsLurgan Mail

The price hikes are attributed to wholesale costs, local competition, and profit margins set by individual petrol stations. The UK government has implemented a new scheme requiring petrol stations to report price changes within 30 minutes, with potential fines for non-compliance after a three-month grace period. Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, noted that drivers will encounter "truly eye-watering fuel prices" this Easter, with diesel prices having risen by nearly 9p in just one week.

The GuardianDiesel now up by over one-third in Northern Ireland since start of Iran war - and petrol up by a fifthThe Irish NewsLurgan Mail

The Consumer Council's latest survey indicates that the average price of diesel in Northern Ireland is now 177.8p per litre, up from 132.6p before the war, marking a 40% increase. Petrol prices have similarly escalated to an average of 149.1p per litre. However, these averages mask regional extremes, with some areas reporting prices as high as 189.9p for diesel and 160.9p for petrol. The rising fuel costs are prompting calls for a reduction in fuel duty from local government officials, including Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald.

Diesel now up by over one-third in Northern Ireland since start of Iran war - and petrol up by a fifthThe GuardianThe Irish NewsLurgan Mail

Despite the rising prices, Stormont ministers have assured the public that fuel supply chains remain unaffected by the Iran war. The Executive Office has stated that the situation is being closely monitored, with regular updates provided to ensure readiness for any potential local impacts. However, concerns have been raised by the Ulster Unionist Party regarding the need for civil contingency planning in case of future shortages.

Lurgan Mail

The conflict in Iran has also raised alarms about potential impacts on medicine supplies in Northern Ireland. The NHS in England has expressed concerns about vulnerabilities in the medicine supply chain, as the UK imports 75% of its medicines. While there are currently no reported shortages directly linked to the Iran war, experts warn that rising energy costs and disrupted shipping routes could exacerbate existing pressures on the healthcare system.

The Irish NewsThe GuardianLurgan MailDiesel now up by over one-third in Northern Ireland since start of Iran war - and petrol up by a fifth

The Department of Health has confirmed that they are collaborating with the UK’s Department of Health and Social Care to maintain medical supply chains. They emphasized that there are no current shortages of medicines or medical devices due to the conflict, but they are prepared to implement established processes should shortages arise.

The Irish NewsLurgan MailThe GuardianDiesel now up by over one-third in Northern Ireland since start of Iran war - and petrol up by a fifth

While the government maintains that fuel supply chains are stable, there are contrasting views from political leaders who advocate for proactive measures to prepare for potential shortages. Additionally, the healthcare sector's vulnerability to supply chain disruptions remains a concern, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and response strategies.

The Irish News

• “Drivers hitting the roads this Easter weekend will be faced with some truly eye-watering fuel prices.” — Simon Williams, Head of Policy, RAC

The Guardian

• “Fuel duty must be reduced as a matter of urgency,” — Caoimhe Archibald, Economy Minister

Diesel now up by over one-third in Northern Ireland since start of Iran war - and petrol up by a fifth

• “Being prepared is not alarmist; it is responsible governance” — Jon Burrows, Ulster Unionist Party Leader

Lurgan Mail

• “If this is not addressed, there is a real risk that Northern Ireland will become a lower-priority market for medicine wholesalers, with serious implications for patient safety, continuity of care and the resilience of the wider health system,” — Gerard Greene, Chief Executive, Community Pharmacy NI

The Irish News