Drivers warned to cut journeys as Iran conflict spikes fuel prices

Published: 9 March 2026

The English Chronicle Desk

The English Chronicle Online — UK News

As the conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel intensifies, UK motorists are being urged to make immediate changes to their driving habits amid warnings that fuel prices are set to soar to levels not seen in years. With Brent Crude oil surging past $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022, experts say the impact on petrol and diesel prices will be “inevitable, sharp, and painful” for households already struggling with rising living costs.

The advice comes as the Middle East crisis deepens, with airstrikes hitting oil depots in Tehran and fears growing that the Strait of Hormuz — a vital global energy corridor — could face disruption. The result has been a rapid spike in wholesale oil prices, which are now filtering through to UK forecourts far faster than expected.

According to the Daily Record, the average price of petrol has risen by 5p per litre since the conflict began on 28 February, reaching 137.5p, while diesel has jumped 9p to 151.0p. Analysts warn that this is only the beginning. If oil climbs to $120 a barrel, petrol could hit 170p per litre, a level not seen since the height of the 2022 energy crisis.

With the situation worsening, the AA and RAC have issued urgent guidance to drivers — and the message is clear: cut non‑essential journeys and adopt more fuel‑efficient driving styles to soften the financial blow.

AA president Edmund King said the organisation is already seeing signs of panic among motorists, with many worried about how high prices could climb. He urged drivers not to rush to forecourts or change their refuelling habits, but instead to reduce unnecessary trips and drive more efficiently.

“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 per barrel raises concern across the markets, for the haulage industry and for drivers.”

He added that while pump prices should not rise “overnight,” gradual increases are now unavoidable.

The RAC echoed the warning. Head of policy Simon Williams said the situation for UK drivers is “increasingly bleak,” predicting that unleaded petrol will soon reach 140p per litre, while diesel is “highly likely” to climb to 160p per litre.

The Strait of Hormuz — a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman — is one of the most important oil transit routes in the world. Around 20% of global oil passes through it. Any disruption, even temporary, sends shockwaves through international markets.

With Iran warning of retaliation and the US increasing its military presence in the region, traders fear that shipping routes could be targeted or restricted. This uncertainty alone is enough to push prices higher.

The Daily Record reports that airstrikes on Iranian oil depots have already rattled markets, with smoke seen billowing from key facilities. The conflict has also triggered panic buying in some countries, including Australia, where motorists have been urged to “fill up now” before prices spike further.

While some media outlets have suggested replacing worn tyres or filling up early, UK motoring organisations say the most effective immediate action is simple: cut non‑essential journeys.

This includes:

Combining errands into a single trip
Avoiding short journeys where walking or cycling is possible
Reducing motorway speeds to improve fuel efficiency
Removing roof racks and excess weight
Ensuring tyres are properly inflated

King emphasised that small changes can make a significant difference. “Changing your driving style to conserve fuel is one of the easiest ways to save money,” he said.

Analysis from MSN suggests that if the conflict continues to escalate, UK drivers could face £320 in additional annual fuel costs. This estimate is based on average mileage and current projections for oil price increases.

For families already dealing with rising food, energy, and housing costs, the additional burden could be severe.

The haulage sector — which relies heavily on diesel — is bracing for a major financial hit. Rising fuel prices could lead to higher costs for transporting goods, which may then be passed on to consumers.

Logistics firms say they are already struggling with tight margins, and another fuel crisis could force some operators out of business.

The UK Government has not announced any emergency measures but says it is monitoring the situation. Treasury officials are reportedly concerned about the impact on inflation, which could rise again if fuel and transport costs spike.

Economists warn that a prolonged conflict could derail the UK’s fragile economic recovery, pushing up prices across multiple sectors.

Much depends on how the conflict unfolds. If tensions ease, oil prices may stabilise. But if the situation escalates — particularly if the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted — prices could rise dramatically.

Energy analysts say the next two weeks will be critical.

Motoring groups stress that there is no need for panic buying, but drivers should be realistic about the likelihood of higher prices in the coming days and weeks.

The best advice, they say, is to: