The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has refused to confirm whether it holds secret briefings on fuel prices, warning that doing so could trigger panic buying and destabilise markets. In response to a freedom of information request by the Press Association, the department adopted a 'neither confirm nor deny' stance, a position typically reserved for national security matters.
The department claimed that even acknowledging the existence of such briefing notes could lead to 'mass purchasing' of petrol and diesel, causing 'economic damage' to the UK. Official figures show UK inflation has risen again, partly due to sharp fuel price increases linked to the Middle East conflict.
In its response, the department said: 'UK petrol and diesel prices, and financial markets more broadly, are very sensitive to the release of any information that relates to factors affecting UK retail fuel prices.' It added that confirming or denying the information would cause 'widespread concerns over security of supply' and disrupt fuel supply chains.
The department also revealed that ministers are 'actively considering options' to address the impact of the Middle East conflict on UK consumers. The response noted that the requested information, if held, would relate to policy formulation regarding this issue.
This refusal comes after supply chain disruptions in 2021 led to panic buying at petrol stations, with long queues across the country. The department's cautious approach reflects ongoing sensitivities around fuel security and economic stability.
