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Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could significantly threaten global energy shipments, including fuel supplies to the United Kingdom.
This strait is one of the world’s most crucial oil transit routes, as large volumes of crude oil and refined petroleum products pass through it from producers like Iran and other Gulf states.
If shipping were blocked due to conflict, sanctions, or military action, international energy prices could soar, and tanker movements could be delayed. Although the UK now imports much less petrol directly from the Middle East than in previous decades, it remains vulnerable to global price fluctuations because energy markets are highly interconnected.
Maritime security in the region is closely monitored by naval forces, including the Royal Navy, which maintains deployments in Middle Eastern waters to protect commercial shipping. Energy market analysts have warned that UK motorists could face further increases in petrol and diesel prices in the coming days and weeks if tensions in the Middle East escalate.
Recently, the price of oil has risen following missile strikes by Israel and the United States on targets in Iran, along with retaliatory threats from Tehran. Data from the RAC Foundation indicates that benchmark crude oil prices have climbed to approximately $81.40 (£61.19) per barrel.
Consequently, UK fuel prices have also increased, with petrol reaching around 133.4p per litre and diesel at approximately 143.2p per litre.
Experts fear that this upward trend may continue if regional conflicts escalate, especially if Iran attempts to close the Strait of Hormuz or target oil tankers passing through it. The Strait of Hormuz is responsible for transporting roughly 20% of the global oil trade.
Reports have suggested that since the killing of Ali Khamenei on February 28, hundreds of vessels have altered their courses, anchored, or waited in open waters to avoid conflict, though these claims remain unverified.
An adviser from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Ebrahim Jabari, was reported by Iranian state media to have warned about potential disruption to global oil trade.
Jabari said: “The strait (of Hormuz) is closed. If anyone tries to pass, the heroes of the Revolutionary Guards and the regular navy will set those ships ablaze.
Speaking to GB News, Howard Cox, founder of FairFuelUK warned: “With refineries, oil tankers, and the Straits of Hormuz being targeted, oil prices will continue to climb relentlessly. A barrel of crude is already over $81 (£60.63).
I predict pump prices will be hiked by up to 10p per litre by the weekend, with independent retailers held to ransom by ruthless cash-grabbing wholesalers and the big brands.
“For over two decades, our clueless politicians have not planned to be self-sufficient in oil and gas production. They should be held to account for making the UK reliant on imports.”
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