Warnings of UK fuel protests as Iran war sends price of diesel past £2 a litre
Farmers are reportedly planning fuel protests in the UK after fuel prices rose to £2 per liter due to the Iran war.
Ireland has faced fuel protests from agricultural organizations across the country this week over rising petrol and diesel prices, which has caused major disruptions across the country and threats to critical supplies.
Farmers’ organizations in the UK will meet next week to discuss nationwide demonstrations in England, according to reports. Telegram.
A source told the paper: “We’ve passed the £2 mark on a liter of diesel. It’s a terrible place to be. It’ll only be a matter of time before people in this country start going out and protesting.”
“Farmers are the last people who want to go out and protest. You have to remember this is a very busy time of year for us. But with the inheritance tax protests, groups have formed. The infrastructure is there to mobilize.”
“There have been discussions and early next week a few people will get together to see what can be done.”
National Farmers Union told Independent had not heard from the farming community about plans for protests similar to those in Ireland.
As an NFU spokesman said: “The war in Iran is deeply worrying, particularly for those in the Middle East. The resulting disruption to global oil and gas markets is placing significant pressure on farmers and growers who are already under major economic pressure and cannot afford further increases in costs.”
“Whilst we are working hard to support our members and are in constant contact with Defra and the wider government about what they can do to support the farming sector at this critical time, we do not support protests that have the potential to disrupt the public and further disrupt supply chains.
“Farming has strong public support and we are extremely grateful for that, and it is important that nothing undermines that.”
Fuel prices have been rising rapidly since the beginning of the war between the United States, Israel and Iran, which resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil shipping route.
The average price of diesel in the UK has surpassed 190p per litre, according to figures released this week; It has increased by more than a third since the conflict escalated, reaching a record high seen in 2022.
Peace talks between the US and Iran failed to reach an agreement on Saturday; This means the Strait of Hormuz is still closed, which could further increase fuel prices.
The protests in Ireland, which are separate but coordinated efforts largely led by hauliers, farmers and farm workers, are now in their sixth day for some participants.
Irish protesters targeted not only major highways in slow-moving convoys but also the country’s only oil refinery and major warehouses.
The increased police response led to the deployment of public order units in Cork, Galway and Dublin, resulting in a number of arrests.
The Irish government on Sunday called an emergency Cabinet meeting as it prepares to sign measures it hopes will end protests over fuel costs.
On Friday, Northern Ireland’s political leaders called on British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer to act “decisively and without delay” to help people in the region suffering from rising fuel costs.
The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has been approached for comment.
