An energy minister was asked if drivers should change how their drive or buy fuel.
The Iran war has sent fuel prices soaring (Image: Getty)
Motorists do not need to drive slower or panic buy fuel amid the Iran war, a minister has said. Energy minister Michael Shanks insisted British drivers should carry on as usual, despite suggestions from the International Energy Agency (IEA) aimed at conserving petrol and diesel. It comes as the Middle East conflict has sent prices soaring as Iran blockades the Strait of Hormuz, stopping the flow of oil through the key shipping route.
Earlier this week the IEA suggested governments should consider measures including telling people to work from home, and cutting speed limits by at least 10 kilometres per hour. Slovenia has become the first EU nation to introduce rationing. But asked by Times Radio if British drivers should change their habits, Mr Shanks said: “They should do everything as absolutely normal because there is no shortage of fuel anywhere in the country at the moment.”
The Minister said: “We monitor this every single day, I look at the numbers personally. There’s no issue at all with that.”
In an attempt to signal there was no need to panic buy petrol, he added: “People should go about their business as normal. That’s what the RAC and the AA have said. It’s really important people do that.
“There’s no shortage of fuel and everything is working as normal.”
Pressed if drivers should slow their speed, Mr Shanks told Times Radio: “Look genuinely, people shouldn’t change their behaviour or their habits in the slightest.”
The IEA has advised motorists across the world to reduce their speed on highways, share rides and work from home when possible to reduce how much petrol or diesel they use.
Slovenia has become the first EU country to introduce fuel rationing amid the Iran war.
Motorists in that country will be restricted to a maximum of 50 litres per day until further notice.
Oil prices dropped yesterday after US President Donald Trump suggested potential talks with Tehran to end the war could begin.
But the price of Brent Crude rose above 100 US dollars a barrel as markets in Asia opened today.