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Higher prices could last for eight months after Iran war, minister says
UK officials warn that higher energy, food, and flight prices could persist for eight months after the resolution of the US-Israel war with Iran. The article ties this outlook to disruptions in energy production and transport in the Middle East, with government and international bodies preparing contingency measures and industry players planning for worst-case scenarios.
Why It Matters
The piece highlights how international conflict is expected to ripple into everyday UK prices and policy responses, affecting households and businesses.
Timeline
13 Events
Eight-plus months of economic impact after resolution, minister says
April 26, 2026
"Our best guess is eight plus months from the point of resolution that you'll see economic impacts coming through the system," he said.
Contingency planning group to monitor stock and disruptions
April 26, 2026
A group of ministers is meeting twice a week to monitor stock levels and any disruptions to the supply chain, with meetings led by Jones.
Prime Minister to chair Cabinet committee meeting on shortages
April 26, 2026
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will chair another meeting of a Cabinet committee on Tuesday set up to deal with any shortfalls.
Liberal Democrats push for food security bill and fuel tax relief
April 26, 2026
The Liberal Democrats urged the government to include a bill in the next King's Speech which puts food security at the top of the government's agenda, proposing a 10p cut on fuel duty and reduced public transport costs.
Iran calls blockade piracy; negotiators in Islamabad for talks
April 2026
Iran called the blockade piracy, and negotiators from the country were in Islamabad, Pakistan, for talks on ending the conflict.
US President Trump aims to pressure Iran by targeting tolls and oil revenue
April 2026
US President Donald Trump hopes to pressure Iran by targeting the tolls Iran charges ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran's oil revenue.
Iran's top negotiator says reopening Hormuz impossible if US blockade continues
April 2026
Iran's top negotiator said reopening the Strait of Hormuz was 'impossible' if the US continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Supermarkets plan with government for worst-case scenarios
April 2026
Supermarkets have said they are working with the government to help plan for a worst-case scenario.
Government funds reactivation of Ensus bioethanol plant to shore up CO2 supply
April 2026
The government provided funding to reactivate the Ensus bioethanol plant, which makes CO2 as a by-product, in order to shore up supplies of the gas.
IMF predicts UK energy shock and lowers growth forecast
April 2026
Last week, the IMF predicted the energy shock from the war would hit the UK the hardest among the world's advanced economies, cutting its growth forecast for the year from 1.3% to 0.8%.
Public urged to keep fueling and traveling as normal amid jet fuel fears
April 2026
The government urged drivers to keep filling up with petrol and using cars as usual and not to change their travel plans amid fears over potential jet fuel shortages.
Government draws up worst-case food shortage scenario by summer
April 2026
Earlier this month, government officials drew up a worst-case scenario of food shortages by the summer, including chicken and pork, should the war continue.
National Farmers' Union warns cucumber and tomato prices could rise; milk and other crops likely to increase
March 2026
The National Farmers' Union said cucumber and tomato prices could rise over the next six weeks, with the cost of other crops and milk increasing in the next three to six months.