Motorists in Norfolk could soon be paying more at the pumps due to the conflict in the Middle East.
Since Saturday, the US–Israel war with Iran has sharply escalated, leading to airstrikes across the region.
Disruption to tanker traffic in the Middle East has sparked a rise in oil prices, which have a significant effect on wholesale fuel prices.
On Monday, the price of Brent crude oil soared by as much as 13pc, rising above 82 US dollars a barrel, before paring back.
Edmund King, president of the AA, has said petrol prices at home will "inevitably increase" as a result.
"Pump prices in the coming weeks will inevitably increase, possibly in the short term back up to where they were at the start of the year," he said.
At the start of 2026, a litre averaged 135.7p.
Last month, the price dropped as low as 131.9p.
"Obviously, some global oil distribution disruption will continue depending on the length of the conflict and issues in the Strait of Hormuz," Mr King continued.
He said much of the increase is already being factored in by market traders.
“There is no need for drivers to break their refuelling routine," he explained.
“It takes time for cost increases to work their way through to the pump.”
But Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said hikes are "not a certainty".
"The oil price would have to rise significantly and stay that way for some time to have a dramatic effect," he said.
A spokesman for the Prime Minister added: "The government is monitoring the situation closely.
"There are currently no reported impacts to UK fuel supply.
"The UK benefits from strong and diverse security of energy supplies."
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