The UK Government has urged drivers to continue filling up as usual, despite a global watchdog advising people to reduce fuel consumption due to the escalating Middle East conflict. Number 10 said Britons should 'go about their days as normal' after the International Energy Agency (IEA) recommended reducing speed limits, carpooling, and working from home to cut energy demand.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman clarified that the IEA's advice was general and not implemented in the UK. 'We have a diverse and resilient supply,' he said, adding that fuel production and imports continue as usual with no issues reported. The spokesman also stated it was 'far too early' to discuss emergency cost-of-living interventions, emphasising that de-escalating the conflict is the priority.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds echoed this stance, telling Times Radio that it was 'too early' for Britons to tighten their belts. She reassured the public that the government is taking 'calm headed leadership' and working with partners to de-escalate the situation.
The IEA's call comes as European wholesale gas prices have doubled since the conflict erupted, surging 35% on Thursday after Iran struck Qatar's Ras Laffan LNG plant—the world's largest—in retaliation for Israeli attacks on its South Pars gas field. US President Donald Trump threatened to 'massively blow up' Iran's major gas field if further attacks occur.
EDF, the UK's biggest power producer, warned earlier this week that energy bills will be over £300 higher for at least the next year. Despite these pressures, the Government maintains that supply is stable and no immediate action is required from the public.
