The Government has moved to reassure the public amid rising oil prices following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that once carried around a fifth of global oil and gas supplies.
Crude prices have risen sharply since the escalation of the US-Israel conflict with Iran, prompting Downing Street to hold a series of emergency meetings to monitor the economic fallout and potential supply disruptions.
The Prime Minister is due to chair another session of the Cabinet committee on Tuesday, following the so-called Middle East Response Committee’s meeting earlier in the week. A separate contingency planning group of ministers, led by Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones, is now meeting twice weekly to keep tabs on stock levels and “live” supply chain pressures.
Officials say the focus is on ensuring continuity of fuel supplies, stabilising markets, and preparing for potential knock-on effects across energy-intensive sectors.
Despite the turbulence, ministers have urged motorists to continue normal behaviour, including keeping vehicles topped up with fuel and maintaining travel plans as usual. The Government has stressed that there is no need for immediate changes to driving habits, even as prices fluctuate.
There are also concerns about wider industrial impacts, including potential shortages of carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is used in food production, brewing, medical procedures and parts of the defence sector.
Government messaging has focused on reassurance, with officials repeatedly emphasising that contingency plans are in place and that Britain remains “in a good position” to weather disruption.
Mr Jones said the situation is being actively managed, stressing that Britain has chosen not to become directly involved in the conflict, while taking “defensive action to protect UK interests”.
“This is not our war,” he said. “We’re acting now to prepare for, and mitigate where possible, the impact on our economy and domestic security.”
He added that ministers want to see the Strait of Hormuz reopened as quickly as possible, and said the UK is working with international partners to reduce the impact on households.
The Government is also expected to continue engaging with industry leaders in the energy, transport and food sectors to limit supply shocks and, where possible, maintain price stability.
Mr Jones is due to speak to broadcasters on Sunday, where he is expected to emphasise that the UK remains prepared for further volatility while continuing efforts to reassure markets and the public alike.
For now, ministers insist that the combination of meetings, monitoring groups and coordination efforts reflects a “calm and structured response” to what remains an unpredictable global situation.
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