Minister Urges Calm Over Easter Fuel Supplies Amid Middle East Tensions
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has moved to reassure British motorists about fuel availability ahead of the Easter bank holiday weekend, despite ongoing concerns over supply chains affected by the conflict in Iran.
Government Assurance on Petrol Production
In a statement to the BBC, Phillipson emphasized that production and supply are being maintained, urging drivers to proceed with their usual plans. "I think it's really important to stress that production is being maintained, supply is being maintained," she said. "You don't have to take my word for it, you can look at the comments we've seen from the trade industry bodies but also people like the AA and the RAC."
She added that while the Government always plans for contingencies, people should be reassured and carry on as usual during the Easter holidays.
Industry Calls for Managed Approach
The minister's comments follow warnings from Nick Butler, a former head of strategy at BP and ex-policy advisor to Gordon Brown, who called on ministers to consider restrictions to manage fuel supplies. Speaking on the Today programme, Butler argued that the Government must protect key economic sectors like food supply, health services, and schools.
"I don't think they can just leave it to a free-for-all, which would be chaotic and very regressive and unfair to those of limited ability to pay," he stated. Butler suggested measures such as:
- Driving alternate days based on registration numbers
- Implementing an extra day's holiday per week
- Other consumption-reduction strategies used in some Far East countries
He clarified that this wouldn't involve ration books but rather a gentle reduction in consumption.
Official Confirmation of Stock Levels
A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) confirmed that petrol stations are well stocked and the UK has a diverse and resilient supply chain. This official statement supports Phillipson's reassurances about the current stability of fuel availability.
Fuel Duty Hike Under Review
In a separate interview with Sky News's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Phillipson was pressed on whether the Government would scrap a planned hike to fuel duty scheduled for September. She indicated that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is committed to monitoring the situation throughout the conflict.
"The Chancellor is absolutely committed to making sure that right throughout this conflict that we see, we have right at the forefront of our minds the impact that this is having on the British people," Phillipson explained. "She will continue to keep under review the measures that are needed."
For now, she noted that no immediate action is required as the fuel duty freeze remains in place, but the Government will take a view closer to September, hoping for de-escalation of the Middle East conflict by then.
The minister's dual message of current reassurance and future vigilance aims to balance public confidence with practical preparedness as Britain navigates the economic ripple effects of international tensions during a peak travel period.
