Stocks of petrol and diesel at UK filling stations have fallen since the start of the Iran conflict, with petrol levels dropping to 36% on three days in early March, the lowest since December 2022, according to data from the Department for Energy & Net Zero.
Petrol stock levels averaged between 44% and 47% in the four weeks before the war began on February 28, but fell to between 36% and 43% in the four weeks from March 1. The drop was driven by increased demand rather than supply issues, as petrol deliveries rose to 7,333 litres per day from 7,071 litres, while sales increased to 7,615 litres per day from 7,139 litres.
Regional variations were stark, with Northern Ireland hitting a low of 26% and South West England 31% on March 28, while London dipped only to 38% and North West England to 37%. Diesel stocks also fell sharply, from an average of 47-52% before the war to 37% on March 6, recovering to around 42% later in the month.
A Department of Energy spokesperson said: 'Petrol stations in the UK are being supplied as normal and we have a diverse and resilient supply. Both the AA and Fuels Industry UK have been clear that fuel production and imports are continuing across the UK as usual with no issues being reported.'
Separate RAC figures show the average price of petrol has risen 25.2p to 158.0p per litre since the conflict began, while diesel has increased 48.7p to 191.1p. A tank of petrol now costs £86.92, up £13.86, and a tank of diesel £105.11, up £26.80.
