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UK Energy Department Withholds Fuel Price Briefing Details Citing Economic Sensitivity Amid Iran War

The UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has declined to confirm or deny whether meetings occurred to address rising fuel prices following the Iran war. Current average prices stand at 157.34p per litre for unleaded petrol and 189.88p per litre for diesel, down slightly from April peaks.

GB News
1 source·Apr 24, 10:45 AM(11 days ago)·1m read
UK Energy Department Withholds Fuel Price Briefing Details Citing Economic Sensitivity Amid Iran WarSubstrate placeholder — needs review · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
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The UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero refused to confirm or deny whether briefings had taken place to discuss petrol and diesel prices, amid the impact of the Iran war that began on February 28. Ministers have declined to acknowledge any secret meetings on soaring fuel prices, with the department stating that confirming or denying such information could lead to economic damage to the UK.

It added that the details relate to the formulation and development of policy in response to the Iran war.

88p per litre for diesel, according to RAC Fuel Watch data. 97p per litre. 66p per litre since then.

54p per litre. The department stated that information was being held amid fears it would cause instability and affect the financial status of the wider economy. " The department emphasized that fuel prices and financial markets are very sensitive to government information, which could have knock-on effects.

GB News reported on the most expensive petrol and diesel costs around the UK, based on data from the Government's Fuel Finder tool. Earlier reporting from The Telegraph detailed the National Emergency Plan for Fuel, which includes measures for potential fuel disruptions.

Those measures encompass speed limit reductions, such as cutting motorway limits to 50mph to reduce fuel use by motorists nationwide.

The plan also involves deploying the army to make fuel deliveries, as occurred during the 2021 fuel crisis. Additional recommendations in the National Emergency Plan for Fuel include encouraging more people to work from home to decrease overall fuel demand.

Key Facts

Government refusal on briefings
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero refused to confirm or deny briefings on fuel prices, citing risks of economic damage and panic buying.
Current fuel prices
Average prices are 157.34p per litre for unleaded petrol and 189.88p per litre for diesel, down from April 15 peaks.
Price changes since war
From February 28 Iran war start to April 15, petrol rose to 158.31p and diesel to 191.54p per litre, both three-year highs.
Emergency plan measures
National Emergency Plan for Fuel includes 50mph motorway limits, army fuel deliveries, and work-from-home recommendations.
FOI response
DESNZ stated information held could distort prices and strain supply chains if revealed.

Story Timeline

6 events
  1. 2026-04-15

    Petrol and diesel prices peaked at 158.31p per litre and 191.54p per litre, respectively, marking a three-year high.

    1 sourceunattributed
  2. 2026-02-28

    The war in Iran started, leading to subsequent rises in fuel prices.

    1 sourceunattributed
  3. 2021

    Army deployed for fuel deliveries during the 2021 fuel crisis, as referenced in the National Emergency Plan for Fuel.

    1 sourceThe Telegraph
  4. Recent (post-2026-04-15)

    Petrol prices fell by 0.97p per litre and diesel by 1.66p per litre since the April 15 peak.

    1 sourceunattributed
  5. Recent

    Freedom of information request submitted by the Press Association to DESNZ regarding briefings on fuel prices.

    1 sourcePress Association
  6. Recent

    GB News rounded up the most expensive petrol and diesel costs using the Government's Fuel Finder tool.

    1 sourceGB News

Potential Impact

  1. 01

    Continued pressure on UK economy from elevated fuel prices linked to Iran war.

  2. 02

    Potential for increased fuel stockpiling by consumers if briefings are confirmed, leading to temporary shortages.

  3. 03

    Broader financial market sensitivity to government statements on energy security.

  4. 04

    Implementation of emergency measures like speed limits if fuel disruptions worsen.

  5. 05

    Shift in public behavior toward reduced fuel use through work-from-home or speed reductions.

Transparency Panel

Sources cross-referenced1
Framing risk0/100 (low)
Confidence score65%
Synthesized bySubstrate AI
Word count254 words
PublishedApr 24, 2026, 10:45 AM
Bias signals removed5 across 4 outlets
Signal Breakdown
Loaded 2sensational 2alarmist 1

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