The Education Secretary has sought to reassure drivers that Britain can withstand fuel supply disruption as petrol prices climbed above 150p per litre following Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Bridget Phillipson urged the public to maintain normal refuelling habits despite the average cost rising by more than 17p since hostilities with Tehran erupted in late February, insisting authorities have adequate preparations in place.
Speaking on Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Ms Phillipson said motorists should heed guidance from motoring organisations such as the RAC, which has advised against panic buying. “They’ve been absolutely clear that if you go to the pump, just fill up as normal, continue as you are,” she stated.
The minister emphasised that domestic production remains unaffected and supply security is intact. “We’ve got the security of what is coming in, and production isn’t affected. I think people should take note of what those trade bodies are saying,” she added.
Ms Phillipson maintained the Government “will always plan for what we need to do” should disruption materialise, declaring: “We are well prepared.”
The minister identified de-escalating the Iran conflict as the paramount concern, whilst noting the energy price cap will decrease in April. However, she declined to provide assurances beyond June when the cap expires, stating: “We will take a view closer to the time, but what we hope will happen between now and then is that we do see a de-escalation of the conflict.”
Opposition parties have intensified calls for ministers to abandon planned fuel duty increases scheduled for September. The Conservatives, Reform UK and Liberal Democrats argue the Iran situation necessitates scrapping the rises.
Ms Phillipson rejected taking immediate action, insisting there is “no need” at present and refusing to “commit months ahead of time.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch dismissed current rationing proposals but demanded the Government prioritise North Sea drilling. She challenged suggestions that new extraction would take years to materialise, asserting “gas will be coming out of Jackdaw before winter,” referencing Shell’s field east of Aberdeen.
Ms Badenoch criticised Labour’s ban on new oil and gas licensing implemented last year in favour of renewable energy development. “The right thing right now is not to bankrupt the country,” she stated. “What we need is cheap, abundant energy, it should be clean. And that means doing everything we can – nuclear, renewables and oil and gas.”
