US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
UK Fuel Rationing: Emergency Services to Get Priority as Petrol Soar
The UK’s National Emergency Plan prioritizes emergency services and utilities for fuel during severe shortages, with average petrol prices at an 18-month high, RAC data shows.
- On March 20, 2026, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero published its National Emergency Plan for Fuel, prioritising emergency services and 'critical service vehicles' while limiting ordinary motorists' petrol purchases and petrol-station hours.
- Amid conflict around Iran, disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz have squeezed global supplies, pushing UK fuel prices higher while the International Energy Agency warned this is the largest market disruption in history; a Labour Treasury minister this week stopped short of ruling out petrol rationing.
- Using statutory powers under the Energy Act 1976, the plan prioritises emergency services, then utilities, public transport, and commercial vehicles, with demand-reduction measures including a temporary 50mph limit and electronic signage.
- Forecasters and motoring groups report unleaded petrol at 141.5p and diesel at 160.3p, both 18-month peaks, while Cornwall Insight forecasts typical household bills rising to £1,973; UK government assurances advise filling up as normal.
- The plan, last revised in April 2024, notes it would activate only during a severe national fuel supply shortage, and Dan Tomlinson, quoted on Times Radio, said officials would 'monitor the situation, and we'll monitor it carefully'.
Insights by Ground AI
21 Articles
21 Articles
Petrol and Diesel rationing plans explained as fuel prices hit 18-month high
Plans for petrol and diesel rationing are ready to be implemented by the government if the Middle East crisis continues to disrupt supplies, with fuel prices reaching 18-month highs of 141.5p for unleaded and 160.3p for diesel
·London, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources21
Leaning Left3Leaning Right1Center15Last UpdatedBias Distribution79% Center
Bias Distribution
- 79% of the sources are Center
79% Center
L 16%
C 79%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
