People across the United Kingdom could face higher energy, food and air travel costs for at least eight months after the end of the conflict involving Iran, a senior government minister has warned.
Darren Jones said the government is preparing for sustained economic pressure בעקבות disruptions caused by the war involving the United States and Israel.
Speaking to the BBC, Jones said officials were examining the situation “in a lot of detail,” but stressed that rising prices were more likely than widespread shortages.
“Our best guess is eight plus months from the point of resolution that you’ll see economic impacts coming through the system,” he said.
The conflict has significantly slowed energy production and transportation across the Middle East, creating global supply chain disruptions and pushing prices upward.
Government officials have already outlined worst-case scenarios, including potential shortages of key food items such as chicken and pork if the crisis continues into the summer.
Despite these concerns, authorities have urged the public not to panic—encouraging normal fuel use and travel amid fears over jet fuel availability.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to chair further emergency meetings as part of efforts to manage supply risks and stabilise markets. A ministerial contingency group, led by Jones, is meeting twice weekly to monitor stock levels and supply chain disruptions.
Jones reiterated that the UK had stayed out of the conflict militarily, focusing instead on protecting domestic economic stability.
“This is not our war… we’re acting now to prepare for and mitigate its impact,” he said.
The International Monetary Fund has warned that the UK could be among the hardest-hit advanced economies from the energy shock. It recently downgraded the country’s growth forecast to 0.8%, down from 1.3%.
Jones acknowledged that global instability will inevitably affect households: “What happens abroad will still affect us here at home.”
Officials are also preparing for possible shortages of carbon dioxide (CO₂), a crucial component in food processing and preservation. Disruptions could impact meat production and even beverage supplies.
To address this, the government has backed the reopening of the Ensus bioethanol plant, which produces CO₂ as a by-product. Authorities say the move should help stabilise supply levels.
Jones also sought to ease concerns about pubs potentially running out of draught beer during the upcoming Men’s Football World Cup, saying measures are in place to prevent shortages.
Opposition voices, including the Liberal Democrats, have called for stronger government action on food security and rising living costs, proposing fuel duty cuts and cheaper public transport.
Meanwhile, tensions in the Gulf remain high. Iran has warned that reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz would be impossible if US naval restrictions continue—raising further concerns about global energy supplies.
While supermarkets and airlines say they are working to maintain supplies, experts warn that দাম বাড়ার চাপ may persist for months even after the conflict ends.
With global বাজার still fragile, UK households are bracing for a prolonged period of higher living costs driven by geopolitical uncertainty.