Petrol stations are descending into complete chaos with queues spotted at fuel pumps amid fears prices could rise within days. Motorists have descended into panic buying on with queues stretching for miles at fuel stations across the country.
There are fears that military action in Iran could have a devastating blow on global oil supply, with distribution along the crucial Strait of Hormuz already disrupted. This has pushed the cost of Brent crude oil past $80, with the AA predicting that petrol and diesel price rises are just 10-12 days away.
Images show a long queue outside a GO Power petrol station in Liverpool with rows of cars battling to fill-up their vehicles. But it wasn’t the only fuel station affected, with motorists taking to social media to report on the chaos on the roads.
One road user reported a queue of about 15 cars at a petrol station in Walworth Road in London just past 6am on Monday morning. X user @_becca92 revealed that “shelves are empty in the shop” at 9am on Monday morning, while she admitted there was a “queue coming out of the petrol station with at least 50 odd cars”.
Alongside the AA, analysts at the RAC have suggested petrol fees could hit 150p per litre if disruption continues and oil hits $100 per barrel.
Andrew Watson, director at PetrolPrices, expected that higher wholesale fuel prices would feed through to UK pump prices in the coming days. However, he warned road users can avoid the hefty increases by making sure they shop around for the best possible prices.
He said: “The best way for drivers to protect themselves is to shop around. During periods of volatility, the gap between the highest and lowest local prices often widens.”
Ahead of the start of military action, Tony Redondo, founder of Newquay-based Cosmos Currency Exchange, already warned drivers should fill-up now as costs had likely hit their lowest.
Tony explained: "Whilst we aren't approaching the 191p record highs of 2022, the price 'floor' has likely been reached. It is wise to fill up now if you find a station near the current average, as retail prices typically rise much faster than they fall."
William Fletcher MBE and CEO of Car.co.uk has previously said that those hoping to save money on fuel costs should consider filling up outside of peak hours. He explained that fuel expands in warmer temperatures, so motorists would get more petrol or diesel when it's cooler and more dense.
William also suggested topping-up in the middle of the week was best, with Wednesday claimed to be the absolute cheapest day to visit forecourts. He explained that Tuesday and Thursday were also good days to fill-up, with weekend costs tending to be a lot higher due to spikes in demand.
Despite the situation, the AA has warned drivers not to panic buy at this stage, with any cost increases due to oil disruption are unlikely to impact UK fuel at this early stage.
The AA’s Luke Bosdet told The Sun: “There is no need for drivers to refuel any differently than normal. Not only does it take time for cost increases to work their way through to the pump, but spring is nearly here and car fuel consumption drops – engines don’t have to work as hard as they do in the winter.”
The Government has also warned road users not to worry, claiming that the UK benefits from a series of strong and diverse energy supplies.
A spokesperson added: “‘There are currently no reported impacts to UK fuel supply. DESNZ (the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) will continue to monitor UK fuel stocks and sales.”