Petrol prices at UK forecourts are climbing sharply after an escalation in the conflict involving Iran pushed global oil prices back above $100 a barrel, adding fresh pressure to household budgets. The surge follows heightened tensions in the Middle East, which have unsettled energy markets and raised fears of wider supply disruption, with motoring groups warning drivers should brace for further "rocketing" costs at the pumps in the coming weeks.

Industry figures and campaigners cited in the report point to the jump in crude prices feeding through quickly to retail fuel costs, reversing recent relief motorists had seen. The renewed volatility has been linked to the wider fallout from the Iran conflict and associated geopolitical instability, with commentators noting the risk of prices climbing further should the situation deteriorate, piling additional strain on drivers and businesses already grappling with high living costs.