UK drivers face £30 petrol limit under rationing plans | UK | News
As the conflict in the Middle East continues, fears of fuel rationing have grown. Iran has blocked the critical Strait of Hormuz supply route, through which nearly a fifth of global oil trade passes, and energy infrastructure in the region has been targeted amid the ongoing conflict.
The conflict flared up after the United States and Israel launched a joint attack on some key regions of Iran on February 28. Iran responded by striking targets in the Middle East.
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A fuel limit of £30 may be introduced by individual petrol stations during periods of panic buying or supply shortages to manage demand and prevent pumps from running dry. This is not a permanent, nationwide law.
These limits were used to ensure more drivers had access to fuel during fuel shortages in 2021.
These restrictions are decided by retailers, not the government, but government officials can encourage them.
According to automotive technology company Regit, UK officials emphasized that this move was precautionary and not a sign of an imminent shortage.
Asked whether the government was considering introducing fuel rationing, Labor MP Dan Tomlinson said: “It is currently too early to tell what the impact of this crisis will be in the coming months,” according to the Regit.
“What we have seen in the last two weeks is a sharp rise in the cost of oil used to heat people’s homes and the Government has stepped in and said we will provide £50 million of support to people across the UK who depend on heating oil.”
“We will monitor the situation and monitor it carefully.”
The government has confirmed it is reviewing national fuel contingency plans designed to protect essential services in the event of a major fuel shortage, the Regit said.
This move will help ensure the UK can respond quickly if global supply chains are further disrupted.
Diesel reached 160.3p per liter and unleaded is at 141.5p per liter. These are the highest levels in nearly 18 months.
