Full Breakdown
UK Prepares for Potential Fuel, Food and CO2 Shortages as Iran Conflict Disrupts Global Supply Chains
4/26/2026, 2:45:43 AM
Mobilising Government Response to the Iran War
The UK government has activated a twice-weekly contingency planning group, led by Chief Secretary Darren Jones, to monitor stock levels and mitigate disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The group coordinates with the Cabinet committee chaired by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and with industry partners to safeguard petrol, jet fuel, food and carbon-dioxide (CO2) supplies.
Context: Strait of Hormuz Closure and Global Energy Shock
The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 percent of world oil and liquid natural gas normally transit, has been effectively blocked since early March. Jet-fuel prices have roughly doubled between March and mid-April, prompting the International Monetary Fund to cut its UK growth forecast for 2024 from 1.3 percent to 0.8 percent. The disruption also threatens CO2, a by-product used in meat processing, food preservation and beverage carbonation.
Key Actors Steering the Contingency Effort
- Darren Jones – Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, leads the ministerial contingency group.
- Sir Keir Starmer – Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet committee on supply-chain resilience.
- Peter Kyle – Business Secretary, oversees industrial gas strategy.
- Lisa Smart – Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokeswoman, advocates additional consumer support.
- Ensus Bioethanol Plant – Reactivated to produce CO2 as a by-product.
- Major airlines – British Airways, EasyJet and others, monitor fuel stocks and adjust flight schedules.
- Supermarkets and trade bodies – Tesco, the British Retail Consortium and the British Poultry Council, coordinate with the government on food-security planning.
Quantitative Snapshot
- Oil flow: ? 20 % of global oil passes the Strait of Hormuz.
- IMF forecast: UK GDP growth 0.8 % for 2024 (down from 1.3 %).
- Jet-fuel price: doubled March–April 2024.
- CO2 supply: majority imported from Europe; domestic production restored via the Ensus plant.
- Food-price pressure: National Farmers’ Union warns of rising cucumber, tomato and milk prices within 6 weeks.
Implications for the UK Economy and Consumers
Potential jet-fuel shortages could force airlines to cancel or consolidate flights, prompting the Department for Transport to relax “use-it-or-lose-it” slot rules. A CO2 shortfall would affect meat slaughter, chilled-goods preservation and carbonated drinks, while higher fuel and fertiliser costs are expected to lift food prices even if shelves remain stocked.
Official Statements & Government Actions
The government repeatedly urges motorists to “carry on filling up and using their cars as normal” while confirming that jet-fuel shipments continue. Peter Kyle has stressed that CO2 availability “is not a concern for the British economy at this moment.” The Department for Transport announced that airlines may apply for exemptions from slot-use requirements if fuel shortages arise. Supermarkets report ongoing coordination with officials to model worst-case scenarios.
Criticism and Opposition
Liberal Democrat spokesperson Lisa Smart argued the government should “wake up and provide more support to people who simply cannot afford the sky-high cost of getting around,” proposing a 10-pence fuel-duty cut and reduced public-transport fares. The party also called for a dedicated food-security bill in the next King’s Speech.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Airlines claim no immediate fuel shortage, yet the European Union and International Energy Agency warn of possible supply constraints within five to six weeks. The IMF’s growth downgrade contrasts with government assurances of economic stability. No definitive timeline exists for when, or if, the Strait of Hormuz will reopen.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is not our war. The government made the right call to stay out of the conflict and only take defensive action to protect Britain's interests.” — Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister
- “People should carry on filling up and using their cars as normal, shipments of jet fuel are continuing to arrive in the UK and the UK's critical supply of CO2 has been shored up.” — Darren Jones
- “the government also needs to wake up and provide more support to people who simply cannot afford the sky-high cost of getting around” — Lisa Smart, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokeswoman
- “He said carbon dioxide availability is not a concern for the British economy “at this moment” and encouraged people to continue as normal.” — Peter Kyle, Business Secretary
- “We are confident we can continue to produce carbon dioxide for the country’s needs for the foreseeable future.” — Ensus spokesperson
- “Airlines can now apply for an exemption from the ‘use it or lose it’ rule in these circumstances.” — Department for Transport briefing
What’s Next
A further Cabinet committee meeting is scheduled for early May, with ministers pledging continued twice-weekly reviews of fuel, food and CO2 inventories. The government will assess the feasibility of extending the Ensus plant’s operation and may introduce legislative measures on food security if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed into the summer.
