Drivers are being advised against panic buying as queues start forming at certain fuel stations. Some drivers are taking precautions by filling up their tanks in light of rising oil prices due to the escalating Middle East conflict. Concerns arise over potential disruptions in oil and gas shipments through the vital Strait of Hormuz amid the conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel.
Recent reports indicate fuel shortages at some garages, with unclear reasons whether due to increased demand or unrelated supply issues. There have been sightings of out-of-use signs at a Croydon forecourt and long queues at a Costco station in Liverpool.
Experts suggest that drivers need not alter their refueling habits drastically, as price increases take time to reflect at the pump. While Brent crude oil prices surged to $82 a barrel, warnings suggest potential forecourt price hikes if the trend continues.
Despite falling petrol prices since the beginning of 2026, fluctuations persist across regions. The government’s efforts to regulate petrol prices have led to daily price publications by all stations. Average petrol prices vary, with Maidstone motorists paying notably higher prices than the national average.
Differences in petrol prices are evident across the UK, with varying costs in different regions. Notably, a Sainsbury’s garage in County Durham offers the cheapest petrol prices, while an Asda station in South Lanarkshire tops the list for the most expensive petrol.
For diesel car owners, the Asda garage in East March, North East Lincolnshire, offers the most affordable option for refueling. Global shipping rates are on the rise amidst the conflict, impacting oil and gas transportation significantly.
AA president Edmund King anticipates further pump price increases in the coming weeks due to ongoing global oil distribution disruptions and uncertainties in the Strait of Hormuz. Opt for Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for easy access to preferred news content.