FAMILIES are facing a wallet busting Easter getaway as fuel prices soar while ministers reportedly consider plans to ration petrol if the Iran crisis worsens.
Brits are already feeling the effects with the RAC reporting a rise in average fuel prices across the UK of nearly 9 per cent since the joint USA and Israeli attacks on Iran.
Unleaded is up to an average of 144.51p a litre and diesel is up to 166.24p.
Experts say even if the war ended today, such has been disruption to supplies it would take six months for prices to stabilise.
Motorway services in Tamworth, Staffordshire and Washington, Sunderland are already charging a staggering 174.9p per litre of unleaded fuel, while super unleaded costs are up to an eye-watering 194.9p per litre.
That compares currently with one of the cheapest spots to fill up is a Texaco in Newton Abbot with unleaded petrol prices as low as 132.9p per litre.
Typically, the UK sees up to 21 million car journeys over the four-day Easter weekend which begins this year on April 3.
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Meanwhile Government ministers are said to be looking at plans to limit supplies of fuel should the war in the Middle East escalate.
Figures show the country has less than 900,000 tonnes of petrol in storage which is 10 per cent lower than a year ago.
It would equate to around 26 days of supply at normal demand levels for drivers.
The Government insists the country has an adequate supply of both petrol and diesel currently.
In the event of a severe shortage, critical service vehicles could be given priority for fuel and regular motorists would be restricted as to how much they could buy at the station.
Opening hours of pumps could also be restricted.
The International Energy Agency has advised its members, which includes the UK, to set emergency measures including limiting speed limits and working from home to save on petrol.
The threat of Iranian attacks has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a shipping channel which usually carries a fifth of the world’s oil supply.
Drivers are already facing the impact and fuel prices are only due to increase in the next fortnight before the Easter weekend.
Last year the AA estimated that 19 million cars made journeys between Good Friday and Easter Monday.
This year as well as facing busy roads and roadworks motorists will have to fork out even more to fill up their cars.
A Department for Energy & Net Zero spokesperson said: “Claims on a plan for motor fuel rationing is categorically untrue.
“The UK benefits from a strong and diverse security of supplies.”