Motorists have flocked to petrol stations across Britain in a scramble for fuel as fears of a new oil crisis caused by the Iran war grow, according to a report by The Mirror UK.
Frustrated drivers complained on Wednesday about UK petrol stations running out of fuel and long queues at forecourts after hostilities erupted in the Middle East. Prices have risen by as much as 11 pence per litre in some locations.
In contrast, Nigeria relies on the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals for an adequate fuel supply amid escalating geopolitical tensions. Petrol prices in Nigeria surged on Tuesday from around N820 to N937 per litre, but no queues were reported at filling stations. Analysts attribute this to the Dangote refinery reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel.
The Mirror UK reports that panic buying has caused prices to vary widely across Britain. In Maidstone, Kent, drivers are paying 137.9p per litre—6.4p above the national average—while in Bothwell, near Glasgow, petrol has reached 169.9p per litre. Some pumps have already run out of supply.
The report noted parallels with the 1973 oil crisis in Britain, with the current spike driven by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for Middle Eastern oil. Only five tankers passed through the waterway on March 1, compared to the usual 60 per day. Brent crude briefly climbed to $82 per barrel on Tuesday, marking the highest level since January last year.
Commentators highlight the Dangote refinery’s role in shielding Nigeria from such disruptions. “Imagine a Nigeria without a refinery; we would be experiencing endless queues, black market prices, businesses slowing down, and an economy held hostage by fuel scarcity.
“Today, we stand at a turning point. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals is more than steel and pipes—it is energy security, economic power, job creation, and national pride,” an industry player stated, pleading not to be named due to the lack of authorisation to speak on the matter.
During a recent meeting with refiners and stakeholders, the Dangote refinery assured sufficient fuel supply, though it noted challenges from insufficient crude, requiring some reliance on foreign feedstock.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria emphasised the need to consolidate and strengthen domestic refineries, particularly the Dangote facility, by providing a consistent crude oil supply in naira.
PETROAN’s spokesperson, Joseph Obele, said this proactive approach is essential to minimise the impact of external geopolitical shocks. National President Billy Gillis-Harry expressed concern over the military escalation involving the United States, Iran, Israel, and allied nations, noting the far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
Hostilities near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 per cent of global crude passes daily, have caused sharp volatility in international oil prices and heightened uncertainty regarding supply continuity.
