The UK government is drawing up contingency plans to tackle a possible fuel crisis, including a proposal to cap fuel purchases at £30 per visit, as concerns grow over supply disruptions and rising global tensions.
Officials are reviewing emergency measures under existing laws that could limit the sale of petrol and diesel if shortages emerge. Central to the plan is a “maximum purchase scheme,” which would restrict how much fuel drivers can buy at one time, a move aimed at preventing panic buying and ensuring fair distribution.
Sources say the government is keen to avoid a repeat of past fuel scares, where panic-led hoarding left pumps dry across parts of the country. By imposing a spending cap, authorities hope to keep supply steady and accessible for all.
Despite the planning, officials stress there is no immediate fuel shortage. The measures are purely precautionary, designed to ensure the country is prepared if global conditions worsen.
In the event of a crisis, priority access to fuel would be given to essential services, including emergency responders, public transport, and food supply chains sectors critical to keeping daily life running.
The backdrop to these preparations is a surge in global oil prices and increasing geopolitical uncertainty, particularly in key energy-producing regions. Fuel prices in the UK have already climbed to their highest levels in over 18 months, adding pressure on both consumers and policymakers.
Energy experts warn that any disruption to global supply chains or escalation in international tensions could quickly tighten fuel availability. However, they also emphasize that the UK’s fuel supply system remains robust for now.
