Full Breakdown
UK Fuel Prices Spike as Middle East Conflict Disrupts Global Oil Supply
6/3/2026, 9:13:19 PM
Conflict-Driven Surge in UK Fuel Prices
The US-Israel-Iran war that began on 28 February shut the Strait of Hormuz, cutting about 20 % of global oil flow. Brent crude jumped from $73 to $126 a barrel, the highest since Russia’s 2022 invasion. In the UK, petrol rose to 158.5 pence per litre and diesel to 185.9 pence per litre in May, adding £14 for petrol and £27 for diesel to a typical fill-up. Fuel margins averaged 11.3 pence per litre in April, a historic high.
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a delay of 5 p fuel-duty rise until 31 December; Chancellor Rachel Reeves said there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or jet fuel. Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said recent jet-fuel logistics problems at Edinburgh and Glasgow airports were unrelated to the conflict. CMA warned that wholesale price spikes drive higher pump prices and noted weak competition.
Criticism & Opposition
The CMA finds margins stay high despite inventories, with retailers following competitors rather than cutting prices. RAC policy head Simon Williams warned competition remains weak and historically high margins persist, even though pricing strategies have not changed.
On-the-Ground & Conflicting Reports
Driver-logistics halted road-tanker deliveries to Edinburgh and Glasgow airports, causing fuel shortages for airlines; service resumed the next day. The CMA finds no price-gouging evidence, yet margins indicate a gap between wholesale costs and retail prices. The department attributes the issue to logistics. The IEA warns Europe’s jet-fuel reserves cover six weeks, a concern not fully addressed for the UK.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said: We know prices at the pump are putting real pressure on drivers’ pockets.” — Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive, Competition and Markets Authority
- “Retailers should be in no doubt that we are continuing to monitor prices and margins closely and expect any reductions in wholesale prices to be rapidly and fully passed on to drivers.” — Sarah Cardell, CMA
- “ RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “It’s positive to have confirmation retailers haven’t altered their pricing strategies as a result of the Iran war, but it’s worrying the watchdog has concluded competition is still lacking in the road fuel market and that margins are still at historically high levels.” — Simon Williams, Head of Policy, RAC
- “The logistics issues at Edinburgh & Glasgow airports over the weekend have now been resolved. This was due to driver logistics & is not linked to the conflict in the Middle East or wider supply issues. To be clear, UK airlines are not currently seeing any shortage of jet fuel.” — Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson
What’s Next
The postponed fuel-duty increase stays in place, while July’s energy-price cap is set to rise by £209 for a household. CMA will publish its next market update in August, and the government continues to promote the Fuel Finder scheme, which can save motorists up to £9 per tank.
