Fuel for ambulances and emergency speed limits – UK’s petrol rationing plan

Plans to prepare for a squeeze on UK oil supplies from the Iran war could include fuel rationing and securing supplies for critical sectors. The crisis in the Middle East has pushed up prices and caused economic uncertainty around the world.

Diesel prices have reached their most expensive level since December 2022, with the average price of a litre of the fuel at UK forecourts on Monday hitting 181.2p, according to RAC analysis. That represents a 27% increase from 142.4p on February 28, the day the war in the Middle East began.

Average petrol prices have reached 152.0p per litre, a rise of 14% from 132.8p over the same period.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Monday drivers don’t need to do any other than they normally would.

Britain has an emergency framework in place in case fuel supplies run low. It outlines what could happen if there is a severe shortage nationally.

The National Emergency Plan for Fuel is produced by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. It includes making sure emergency services vehicles, such as ambulances, can get fuel.

Another measure is limiting the amount of fuel the general population can buy. Distributors can also be ordered to give priority to critical industries, including food, public transport, healthcare and utilities.

Speed limits could also be lowered and fuel sold only at certain times, according to the contingency plan, which was last updated in April 2024.

Watchdog, the International Energy Agency, has already advised member countries to consider lowering speed limits. Emergency stocks of fuel can also be released to boost supply.

Energy experts told The i Paper the Government may have to prioritise essential sectors if fuel supplies are strained badly.

Richard Smith from the Road Haulage Association told the publication the Government needed a clear plan to keep goods moving across the UK.

Colin Smith from the Scottish Wholesale Association said food and drink distributors must be included in any priority access.

The Government on Tuesday will publish a list of some of the third-party fuel-price apps and websites using pump price data from its Fuel Finder scheme.

They include Confused.com, DriveScore, Fuel Finder UK, Fuel Spy, MotorMouth, PetrolPrices.com and RAC Fuel Watch.

All UK forecourts have been required to report price changes to the Fuel Finder database within half an hour of a change since February 2.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said her priority is “protecting family finances and standing up for drivers”, and Fuel Finder “puts power back into their hands”.

She continued: “By giving drivers the information they need to see where fuel is cheapest locally, they can avoid being overcharged and continue to fill up as normal.”

Earlier this month, Ms Reeves told petrol retailers at a Downing Street meeting they had a “shared obligation” to keep prices down for motorists.

Sir Keir told business chiefs in Downing Street on Monday that it must be a “joint effort” to tackle the impact of the Iran war, saying the Government “can’t do it on its own”.

Bosses from energy, shipping and banking firms were invited to Number 10 to discuss Iran’s ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted a vital shipping route for the oil and gas industry.