Motorists across the UK could face record petrol prices within weeks as escalating conflict between the US and Iran disrupts global oil markets. The crisis deepened after US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory attacks across the Middle East. Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed in a targeted strike on 28 February, after which Tehran warned it would target ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route carrying about 20% of the world’s oil and gas. At least three vessels were reportedly attacked near the strait, effectively halting shipping through the narrow waterway between Iran, Oman and the UAE, and intensifying fears of a global supply shock. An Iranian commander, Sardar Jabbari, declared the country would “not let a single drop of oil leave the region.” The disruption has already driven up crude prices. Brent crude, the global benchmark, jumped to $82 a barrel on Monday, more than 10% higher than before the strikes, and climbed further to $84 by Wednesday morning. Analysts warn that if the conflict persists, oil prices could continue rising sharply, feeding through to higher fuel costs in the UK. Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed in November’s Budget that fuel duty will rise by 1p in September this year, followed by an additional 2p in December and a final 2p in March 2027. Industry figures have urged the Government to delay the increases, arguing that higher taxes during a period of global instability could intensify the impact on consumers. PRA Executive Director Gordon Balmer said “The conflict in the Middle East has increased the wholesale cost of petrol and diesel, which will mean pump prices will have to go up. Rising fuel prices hurt the economy in the form of higher inflation, impacting already hard-pressed household budgets. To help motorists and businesses, I am writing to the Chancellor urging her to abandon the planned fuel duty increases.”