The AA has warned petrol and diesel drivers will be affected by a major fuel station update within days amid strikes in Iran. AA President Edmund King has predicted that military action is likely to disrupt oil distribution, leading to price hikes.
At least three ships were attacked on the crucial Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, with the route carrying around one-fifth of global oil supplies. The price of oil jumped by as much as 10% on Monday, with Brent crude oil hitting $82 a barrel.
This was up to $73 per barrel last week, which was already 16% higher than at the start of 2026. The AA has warned that disruption was set to send petrol and diesel costs up, with “record” fees expected within just 10 to 12 days.
Edmund King said: “The turmoil and bombing across the Middle East will surely be a catalyst to disrupt oil distribution globally, which will inevitably lead to price hikes. So drivers beware, within the next 10 to 12 days we could be seeing record prices at the pumps.”
It has even been predicted that unleaded fuel could hit 142.5p per litre within weeks, which would be a staggering rise. Petrol prices across the UK are currently averaging around 132.68p per litre, meaning costs could jump by around 10p per litre.
It might not stop there, with Tony Redondo, founder of Newquay-based Cosmos Currency Exchange, previously warning that more permanent disruption to oil supply could push crude oil prices past $110 per barrel. On Saturday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards are said to have told ships that passage through the Strait of Hormuz was banned.
Around 20% of global oil supplies pass through the Strait each year, making it a crucial artery and any disruption a serious blow. Tony warned that it was very likely that retailers would pass on added oil costs to motorists.
He explained this would have a major impact on British motorists and would almost certainly “end the recent downtick in UK petrol prices”.
AA spokesperson Luke Bosdet added: “Pump prices have been rising over the past week and the conflict escalation in the Middle East threatens even higher fuel costs for UK drivers.”