Thomas Fricke (he/his)
EditorFuel fears grow as UK outlines who would get priority if rationing introduced
Concerns have been raised following rising tensions in the Middle East and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route. Ministers have not ruled out the possibility of fuel rationing if shortages become severe.
Under the Government’s National Emergency Plan for Fuel, priority would be given to essential services first. Emergency services and critical response vehicles would be at the front of the queue, followed by utility providers such as gas, electricity and water companies.
Public transport, including buses and rail services, would then be prioritised, alongside commercial vehicles such as food delivery lorries and health-related transport.
If shortages continued, restrictions could be introduced for the general public, including limits on how much fuel drivers can buy and reduced opening hours at petrol stations.
A Government spokesperson stressed that these measures would only be used in the event of a “severe national fuel supply disruption”.
But there has also been an attempt to reassure the public.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said there is currently no immediate need for petrol rationing, despite ministers monitoring the escalating Middle East situation “hour by hour” amid concerns over potential fuel and food shortages.
The plans come as drivers are already feeling the impact at the pumps.
According to the RAC, fuel prices have surged in recent weeks — with petrol now averaging 144.51p per litre and diesel 166.24p.
Fuel prices displayed at a Valero petrol station in St Clears on Monday morning, as costs continue to climb amid global supply concerns.RAC head of policy Simon Williams warned the situation is worsening rapidly.
He said: “Since the conflict began, average petrol prices are now almost 12p higher, while diesel is up by twice that amount.
“The cost of filling a typical family car with unleaded is now £79.48 — £6.40 more than at the start of March — while diesel has risen by a hefty £13 to £91.43.
“The oil price has been consistently above the $100 a barrel mark, so unfortunately further rises look all but inevitable this week.
“The average price of a litre of unleaded is likely to reach 150p, and diesel possibly 180p by Easter.
“With many people heavily dependent on the car, the pressure on household budgets is beginning to intensify.”
Llanelli firm already feeling the pain
The impact is already being felt locally.
As previously reported by Swansea Bay News, Llanelli-based haulage giant Owens Group has seen its fuel bill soar by around £64,000 a week as diesel prices spike.
Bosses say costs have jumped by roughly 30% almost overnight, with the company — which runs around 600 vehicles — now forced to buy fuel day-by-day instead of securing prices in advance.
Industry leaders have warned the knock-on effect is inevitable, with rising transport costs expected to push up the price of everyday goods.
As one haulage representative put it: “Everything we buy is moved by road at some point.”
Pressure building
Despite the concerns, Government sources say the UK’s fuel supply remains “resilient”, with petrol stations currently well stocked and imports continuing as normal.
Ministers say they are monitoring the situation closely, but have not confirmed whether rationing measures will be needed.
But with prices climbing, businesses under pressure and contingency plans already in place, fears are growing that the situation could tighten further in the weeks ahead.
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