Diesel prices in the UK are approaching a new record, bringing government fuel shortage contingency plans back into public attention as supply concerns grow.
The RAC expects diesel prices to exceed the previous UK record after months of pressure on global energy markets. Average diesel prices reached 199.05 pence per litre, while petrol stood at 174.04 pence per litre on Sunday, September 27, according to the breakdown organisation’s live tracker.
The rise has renewed attention on measures the government could use during a severe fuel supply disruption, including restrictions on fuel purchases, priority access for emergency services and possible temporary speed limits.
Fuel Prices Push Government Contingency Plans into Focus
The RAC’s head of policy, Simon Williams, said the previous diesel record of 199.09 pence per litre was expected to be surpassed as prices continued to climb.
Reports cited by Express said the UK had around 42 days of diesel supply remaining in July, a figure described as among the lowest in the developed world apart from Australia.
The figures have increased scrutiny of the government’s preparations for a possible disruption. The Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) maintains the National Emergency Plan for Fuel (NEP-F), which outlines how authorities could respond if fuel supplies faced a major interruption.
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What the UK Fuel Emergency Plan Could Introduce
The NEP-F outlines several possible actions if a major fuel supply crisis developed.
Under the Designated Filling Station scheme, emergency and critical service vehicles could receive priority access to fuel from selected filling stations. The Bulk Distribution Scheme would allow fuel companies and distributors to prioritise deliveries to services such as emergency responders, utilities and public transport.
A separate Commercial Distribution Scheme could direct supplies of road diesel toward commercial vehicles supporting important supply chains, including food and healthcare networks.
The government also has a Maximum Purchase Scheme, which could restrict how much fuel customers can buy during a shortage. The measure could also limit the hours when fuel stations are allowed to sell road fuels.
Another possible action is a temporary reduction in fuel demand through measures such as lower motorway speed limits. Reports in March suggested that a 50mph speed limit could form part of wider efforts to reduce consumption during a serious disruption.
Emergency Measures Would Require a Severe Supply Disruption
According to Express, government ministers previously refused to rule out fuel rationing after concerns emerged over energy supplies.
The NEP-F document explains that emergency measures would only be considered under specific circumstances.
The document states: “Only when an incident has the potential to cause significant and widespread disruption to oil supply will government consider activating measures within the NEP-F. The decision to activate the measures in the NEP-F can only be taken at a national level and would be led by DESNZ, as the government department responsible for energy resilience.”
It adds: “Local Resilience Fora and relevant organisations providing essential services are expected to have robust business continuity plans in place that take into account of their own local and organisational context. Business continuity plans should align in principle to the NEP-F but not rely on early activation of the NEP-F measures.”
The document also notes that most fuel supply problems can initially be managed through cooperation between industry and government departments without using emergency powers.
Government Says UK Fuel Supplies Remain Resilient
The government has said it continues to monitor international energy developments and maintain communication with fuel suppliers.
A DESNZ spokesperson said: “We have a diverse and resilient supply. We continue to engage with our international partners and the UK fuel industry.”
The department’s emergency framework is based on the use of powers under the Energy Act 1976, which allow the government to manage petroleum supply and demand during the most serious disruptions.
At present, the existence of the NEP-F does not mean the measures are being activated. The plan remains a contingency framework designed for a situation where fuel supplies face significant and widespread disruption.
