Petrol stations aren’t using the Iran war to inflate prices, but they’re slow to implement and communicate any cost changes to consumers. Analysis from the UK’s chief regulator has raised concerns that fuel sector practices continue to reduce competition, which in turn keeps prices high for consumers.

Commissioned by the Government in light of the conflict in the Middle East, the Competition and Markets Authority’s June report says the watchdog has yet to uncover any evidence of price gouging by the fuel retail sector. Since the war began, both the Government and campaigners have been suspicious of petrol station pricing practices, which the industry has strongly criticised; in March, the Petrol Retailers Association said “inflammatory language” has led to forecourt workers receiving abuse from members of the public.

Autoexpress magazine reports that the CMA’s latest publication follows reports in June and March, which also struggled to find evidence of price gouging in the sector. Chief executive, Sarah Cardell, said: “We know prices at the pump are putting real pressure on drivers’ pockets and our monitoring plays an important role in giving drivers confidence that retailers are not taking advantage of the conflict in the Middle East.

“We will continue to monitor prices and margins closely and expect any reductions in wholesale prices to be rapidly and fully passed on to drivers.”

What could be keeping prices high, however, is the sluggish response many retailers have in passing on wholesale fuel price decreases to consumers – a practice known as “passive pricing”.

The CMA says “some retailers did not immediately pass reductions in wholesale diesel prices on to drivers” and, with this in mind, will publish a more comprehensive review into practices in the autumn.

Head of policy at the RAC, Simon Williams, described the usage of passive pricing strategies as “concerning”, urging the CMA to “compare fuel retailing in Northern Ireland with the rest of the UK, because petrol and diesel are currently being sold there for an average of 8p less a litre – meaning the cost of filling a family car in Northern Ireland is around £4.40 less than elsewhere. If fuel can be sold there at lower prices, then it seems drivers elsewhere aren’t being treated fairly.”

Also part of the effort to increase competition between retailers is the Fuel Finder scheme, which allows consumers to view live pricing data. Yet while 97 per cent of forecourts are signed up, many sites are not keeping information up to date; July analysis by the Press Association suggested 1,750 of the UK’s more than 8,300 forecourts had not provided any price updates in over a week.

The CMA, on the other hand, says the “overwhelming majority” of retailers are complying with rules, but did point out that over 1,100 letters and 53 compliance notices had been issued following the end of the scheme’s grace period in April. “Most registration issues are resolved quickly once retailers are contacted,” the watchdog claims.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) Updates its Online Medical Service

Over 60,000 UK drivers have already used DVLA’s enhanced online medical service, which offers a faster and easier alternative to paper applications – saving people up to 10 days in comparison to paper applications.

Drivers can visit GOV.UK to check how around 1,600 medical conditions may affect their ability to drive and, where necessary, notify the DVLA.

Other key benefits of the DVLA online service include:

>>> Initial action on some applications can be taken within 24 hours
>>> The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
>>> Drivers are guided through each stage of the application process
>>> Customers can track the progress of their application online
>>> Drivers with multiple medical conditions can now renew their licence online
>>> Medical licence holders can renew their photocard and licence in a single transaction

According to the DVLA, the online service continues to grow in popularity, with digital uptake increasing by almost 50% over the past year.

Further improvements planned for later this year will expand online medical notifications to additional services, including licence renewals at age 70, first-time provisional licence applications, and applications from drivers whose licence has previously been surrendered or revoked.

The DVLA has also encouraged drivers to check whether they need to report a medical condition on the portal.

Tim Moss CBE, DVLA Chief Executive, said: “More than 60,000 drivers have already switched to our online medical service, saving time, avoiding paperwork and benefiting from a faster application process.

“Customers can save up to ten days by applying online rather than by post. As well as making applications quicker and easier, drivers using the service have collectively avoided tens of thousands of pounds in postage costs. With 24/7 access and the ability to track progress online, we’re making it simpler than ever for people to manage their driving licence in a way that works for them.”

Fuel theft across the UK has surged in recent months, with petrol stations losing an estimated £194,000 worth of fuel every day as rising prices continue to put pressure on motorists.

According to data from Forecourt Eye, the number of drive-offs and unpaid fuel incidents has increased by around 20% since the conflict in the Middle East disrupted global oil supplies. As wholesale fuel costs climbed, prices at UK pumps followed, leading to a sharp rise in thefts.

Thousands of Incidents Every Day

Forecourt Eye analysed data from 550 petrol stations before and after the outbreak of the conflict, using the findings to estimate trends across the UK’s more than 8,000 forecourts.

The results suggest there are now nearly 2,900 fuel theft incidents every day, compared to around 2,400 before prices began to rise. These include motorists driving away without attempting to pay, as well as customers claiming they have no way of paying after filling up.

The amount of fuel being stolen has also increased significantly, rising from around 87,000 litres per day to almost 109,000 litres nationwide.

Retailers Feeling the Pressure

The financial impact on petrol station owners has been substantial. Forecourt Eye estimates the value of stolen fuel has jumped by almost 50% compared with the five months before the price increases.

Retailers are also reporting a rise in abusive behaviour, intimidation and even violence from frustrated customers.

Midlands Motor Fuels owner Shailesh Parekh, who operates six forecourts, says thefts are now happening almost daily. Despite extensive CCTV coverage, he believes the lack of consequences for offenders is encouraging repeat crime.

He estimates fuel theft cost his business around £40,000 last year and expects that figure to be even higher this year as fuel prices continue to fluctuate.

New Technology to Combat Fuel Crime

In response to the growing problem, Forecourt Eye has announced a partnership with facial recognition company Facewatch. From the autumn, more than 2,000 UK fuel retailers will be offered free access to technology designed to identify offenders and improve crime reporting.

The aim is to help petrol stations reduce repeat offences while providing police with better evidence to investigate fuel theft.

Are High Fuel Prices to Blame?

Fuel prices reached their highest level since 2022 earlier this month after peace talks in the Middle East collapsed, following a brief period of falling prices when negotiations appeared to ease tensions.

While some politicians have raised concerns about possible price gouging by retailers, the Competition and Markets Authority has said there is no widespread evidence that fuel stations have been unfairly increasing prices. However, it is continuing to investigate higher fuel margins at a small number of supermarket and independent retailers.

Retail industry groups argue that increased operating costs, including higher National Insurance contributions, packaging taxes and business rates, are also contributing to higher prices.

Looking Ahead

With fuel prices remaining unpredictable and the cost of living continuing to affect household budgets, petrol stations are facing increasing challenges from fuel theft and rising operating costs.

Many retailers are now calling for stronger enforcement, tougher penalties for offenders and wider adoption of technology to help reduce losses. Unless conditions improve, forecourt operators fear fuel theft will remain a growing problem across the UK.

Petrol station operators are dealing with a sharp rise in forecourt thefts, as well as “increasing levels of abuse and aggression” following the start of the Iran war. New data has uncovered that almost £200,000 worth of fuel is now stolen every day across the UK as petrol prices hit a new high.

Auto Express is reporting that the Fuel retailer security firm Forecourt Eye analysed data from 550 of the UK’s roughly 8,350 forecourts and found that the daily volume of fuel stolen rose by almost a quarter (24 per cent) from 5,777 litres to 7,163 litres per day on average in the five months prior to and following the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East. This equates to a daily loss of £12,751, compared with £8,621 prior to 28 February.

Eagled-eyed readers will notice that the value of fuel stolen has outpaced the volume – something that’s down to the huge spike we’ve seen in fuel prices as a result of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Nevertheless, Forecourt Eye extrapolated this data to estimate that, across the UK, almost £194,000 worth (the equivalent of around 109,000 litres) is now stolen on a daily basis.

The rise in petrol prices has seen accusations arise against many members of the public who have been reported as having abused forecourt staff. Executive director of the Petrol retailers Association, Gordon Balmers, said: “Today’s forecourts are dealing with far more than fuel theft. Our members are reporting increasing levels of abuse and aggression towards colleagues who are simply doing their jobs and have no influence over the price displayed on the forecourt.”

This growing anger against petrol station operators comes as the price of petrol hit an Iran war high of 160.85 per litre on 3 August. While the Competition and Markets Authority is yet to find any substantial evidence of foul play by retailers, the new Chancellor, John Healey, wrote in The Telegraph, “We’ll be watching closely for any suggestions that customers are being taken for a ride at the pump or the till.

“Companies’ willingness to work with the Government throughout this crisis has been positive, and there has been no significant evidence of so-called price gouging,” Healey continued, “but I want to be blunt in reassuring the public that our regulators have the powers to clamp down on it if it happens”.

Regardless of who is at fault for sky-high prices, this doesn’t change the fact that fuel theft is becoming a more prolific issue. Almost three in five incidents involve a driver filling up and simply driving off, with the remainder claiming they have No Means of Payment (NMOP). Forecourt Eye says that while there has been a rise in both first-time and repeat offenders, there has been a slightly larger rise in those filling up and not paying for the first time – hinting that the additional squeeze on everyone’s wallets might be convincing some to take the risk.

Earlier this year, Balmer told Auto Express: “While we recognise the financial pressures many households are facing, this behaviour is having a direct and immediate impact on forecourt operators.

“This is not a victimless crime,” he continued. “When fuel is not paid for, the cost does not disappear, it is absorbed by the retailer and ultimately adds to the wider cost of running a forecourt.”

In the meantime, the RAC’s head of policy, Simon Williams, said: “The analysis of wholesale fuel data shows prices at the pump should begin to stabilise this week. But the news for those who rely on diesel, including many businesses, is worrying as it looks set to carry on rising, possibly reaching 185p in the next week or so.”

As another hay fever season hits Britain, a new survey has put a spotlight on a surprising risk: seasonal allergies are affecting how safely people drive.

Volvo surveyed 2,000 drivers who suffer from hay fever and found that 79% say their symptoms have affected their ability to drive safely. A third pointed to June as the worst month.

The findings go further. 5% of drivers reported a near miss that was caused or made worse by hay fever symptoms. 13% admitted taking both hands off the wheel during a sneezing fit, while another 13% said they have kept driving despite severe symptoms. That figure climbs to 19% among 25–34-year-olds.

Younger drivers feel it most
Younger motorists appear more vulnerable behind the wheel. Drivers aged 25–44 are around five times more likely than over-65s to report hay fever-related near misses. More than a quarter of all drivers surveyed say symptoms frequently affect their driving.

What are the symptoms of hay fever?
Hay fever can cause a range of symptoms that affect the nose, eyes, throat, and sinuses – which can severely impact a person’s ability to drive.

Here are the common symptoms:

>>> Frequent sneezing
>>> Runny or blocked nose
>>> Itchy nose, throat, or ears
>>> Red, watery, or itchy eyes
>>> Coughing
>>> Headache
>>> Sinus pressure

Regional differences
London tops the list. 21% of London drivers said their symptoms impact their ability to drive safely often or all the time, and over 30% have avoided driving or changed travel plans because of hay fever.

Welsh drivers reported similar levels of disruption (21%), while the North East had the highest share of people continuing to drive with severe symptoms — one in five (20%).

Can you drive on hay fever medication?
Before getting behind the wheel, check the patient information leaflet and speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure how a treatment might affect you.

Do not drive if you feel drowsy or unwell after taking medication.
Always check with a pharmacist or GP before combining hay fever treatments with other medicines.
According to NHS guidance, non-drowsy antihistamines include acrivastine, cetirizine, fexofenadine and loratadine. Others — such as chlorphenamine (Piriton), cinnarizine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine and promethazine — can cause sleepiness.

The Volvo survey found that 18% of drivers have felt sleepy or less alert after taking hay fever treatments. Again, younger drivers were hit harder: 34% of 25–34-year-olds reported reduced alertness, compared with just 7% of those over 65.

The bottom line
Hay fever isn’t just an inconvenience — for many drivers it’s a genuine safety issue, especially during peak pollen months. If symptoms or medication leave you less alert, sneezing uncontrollably, or struggling to concentrate, it’s safer to delay your journey or find another way to travel.

A vulnerability has been found in KARR and SWDS automobile security systems manufactured by Acrisure that enables remote control via Bluetooth. The vehicles had the security systems installed by car dealers in California, specifically as anti-theft and tracking devices. Thanks to this hack, however, it seems that vehicles can be unlocked, with some further control given to the attacker.

Researchers at the University of California San Diego found that 2.2 million automobiles were purchased from Southern Californian dealers since 2017. However, the secondary market means that the vehicles could be elsewhere in the US, and even as far afield as Japan.

Worryingly, the researchers also found a publicly accessible database holding information about all vehicles with the security system equipped.

TechRadar is reporting that the researchers determined that the automobiles were purchased from Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Ford, and Jeep dealerships. The affected vehicles have the “KARR-SWDS” label on the driver-side window, with the anti-theft device mounted under the dashboard.

Usage is straightforward: a mobile app connects to the KARR security system over Bluetooth and includes functions such as locking and unlocking doors, controlling the horn, and flashing the headlamps. It can also prevent the car from starting, although this only works if it isn’t already running.

The problem is with the implementation, which the researchers discovered relied on the same secure key on the KARR security systems. Once cracked, all cars equipped with the same device were believed to be open to attack.

Changing the secure key isn’t an option, and neither is disabling the Bluetooth. Of particular concern is that researchers found that even if the buyer doesn’t pay for a subscription for the app and the KARR system, the hardware is still in place. Worse, it has the same access to the vehicle’s doors, ignition, horn, and headlamps.

“Removing the devices is not trivial,” UCSD compsci PhD candidate and paper co-author Yibo Wei said in the report on the research (which is fully released in August). “You have to open up the dashboard and cut and reconnect the wires that are deeply intertwined with the car’s computers and ignition system.”

The patch is in
Jerry Yu, also a co-author, wrote: “Instead of smashing a window to get access to a vehicle, thieves could simply connect remotely via Bluetooth to the device inside the vehicle and make it unlock car doors.”

KARR has told media outlets that only vehicles installed “with certain Bluetooth-related components” are affected, and the company has issued a firmware update.

UK petrol prices have risen their highest level since mid-June, according to data from motoring organisation RAC, as the US-Israel war with Iran continues to affect drivers’ finances. The price of fuel tends to track the wholesale price of oil and both have been rising for weeks since the collapse of peace talks to end the conflict.

When the conflict began on 28 February, prices surged as the fighting severely disrupted the production and transportation of energy across the Middle East.

Prices then nosedived when US and Iran agreed to a framework deal to end the fighting in June, but wholesale oil has risen above $100 (£75) a barrel again as tensions resurface.

Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said: “Unless the hostilities end soon, it’s hard not to see the price of petrol reaching a new Iran war high.”

How do wholesale oil prices affect the cost of petrol and diesel at the pump?
Crude oil is a key ingredient in petrol and diesel, which means that higher wholesale costs make filling up a car more expensive.

Analysts say every $10 (£7.53) increase in the oil price pushes up pump prices by roughly 7p a litre.

Since the war began, the price of a barrel of Brent crude – the global benchmark for wholesale oil prices – has been very volatile.

Before the conflict, Brent was about $70 a barrel, but the conflict saw it peak at above $120.

In early July, after the framework deal was signed, prices fell back to near the $70 a barrel mark, but have climbed back up again to above $100 a barrel.

What has happened to petrol prices in the UK?
According to the RAC, the average price of petrol reached an Iran war peak of 159.53p a litre on 28 May, while diesel’s highest average price during the conflict was 191.54p a litre on 15 April.

In early July, the RAC said the average price of diesel sank to a low of 150.59p per litre for petrol and 164.52p per litre for diesel.

Since then the prices have been rising and according to its latest data, petrol now costs 156.19p a litre while diesel costs 173.15p a litre.

Despite the conflict, petrol and diesel prices remain below the levels reached in the summer of 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, when petrol reached 191.5p a litre and diesel hit 199p.

Because transporting oil is a slow process, price movements in the wholesale markets take about a fortnight to show at the pump.

Fuel retailers have denied accusations of price gouging during the conflict. The official markets regulator said it had “not seen evidence of retailers actively changing their pricing strategies to take advantage of the crisis”.

A government scheme called Fuel Finder, external lets drivers compare the cost of fuel offered by petrol stations across the UK.

Luke Bosdet, the head of policy at the AA, said the group had been surprised at the speed that prices had fallen and put it down to the scheme.

On 20 May, then Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said a planned 5p increase in fuel duty due in September would be postponed until 31 December because of the conflict.

Why has the Iran war had a big impact on oil prices?
The Middle East conflict sent global oil prices soaring as it effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz – one of the world’s key water transport routes for oil, liquid natural gas and other essential commodities – limiting global supplies.

About 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes through the waterway.

Despite the deal between the US and Iran, experts warn a return to normal levels of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will take time, and the impact of the war will continue to affect the global economy for potentially months to come.

Where does the UK get its oil and gas?
The UK is heavily reliant on oil and gas imports, with the majority coming from the US and Norway.

The price of oil on the global market determines how much the UK pays for it.

Although the UK does get some oil from the North Sea, most of that is exported for refining elsewhere.

More than 10,000 drivers received penalty points on their licences for driving unroadworthy vehicles last year, new data analysed by the RAC’s mobile servicing and repairs division has found.*

Following a Freedom of Information request to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the RAC found that a total of 10,054 penalty point endorsements were given to motorists in Great Britain in 2025 for driving vehicles with defective brakes, tyres, steering or other problems.

Positively, this is a decrease of 3,055 endorsements compared to the 2024 number, which was 13,109, but it’s hard to know if this is down to drivers better maintaining their vehicles or fewer traffic officers on the roads.

Driving a vehicle with defective tyres was the biggest reason drivers received points last year, with 6,670 people being stopped and having their licences endorsed. This can also attract a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre.

An additional 3,384 endorsements were handed to drivers for other problems relating to the roadworthiness of their vehicles, such as defective steering or brakes.

More drivers of unroadworthy vehicles were caught in Scotland than anywhere else in Great Britain last year – 1,244 in total – followed by London with 1,182 drivers. Outside of the capital, the regions with the most drivers handed points for unroadworthy vehicles were Yorkshire and Humber (995), West Midlands (969) and the South East of England (950).

The offence attracts three penalty points which stay on drivers’ licences for four years.

But the RAC warns there are likely to be many more unroadworthy vehicles on the UK’s roads, as the figures only represent those who have been caught in the first place. With nearly 10m MOTs failing each year, the number of vehicles being driven that don’t meet standards is likely to be far higher.***

RAC Servicing and Repair Mechanic of the Year Jack Halstead said: “Far too many vehicles are unfit for the roads, posing a danger not only to the driver, but to other road users as well. Having bald tyres drastically reduces grip, greatly increases stopping distances, and raises the risk of blowouts. But whether it’s tyres, brakes, steering or something else, every mechanical component in a vehicle plays a critical role.

“And this is likely to be just the tip of the iceberg; with fewer police traffic units, it’s likely more offenders are evading officers and putting themselves and others at risk.

“No doubt there will be some who have accidentally let their car maintenance slip, but this can be easily avoided by using free apps like myRAC, which send you reminders to check key components like tyres, as well as flagging important dates like your MOT, service, tax and insurance renewal.

“We know life gets busy, so that’s why we’re helping drivers to keep on top of car admin with our team of nationwide mobile mechanics that come to you. They can carry out repairs and service your vehicle on your driveway or at work, saving you the slog of getting it to a garage. It’s the better way to look after your car!”

More than 14m drivers will make their getaway this weekend as schools across the country close for the summer, according to new data released by the RAC. The number of leisure trips is the second highest since RAC records began in 2016, surpassed only by 2022 when the country emerged from COVID lockdown.

Between Friday 17 July and Sunday 19 July, 14.1m drivers will hit the road as they make their way to their summer staycation. This compares to 18.8m in 2022.

The RAC is warning of a ‘Saturday summer scramble’, with the largest number of journeys on a single day (3.8m) set to take place on Saturday 18 July. Both Friday and Sunday will see an estimated 3.4m individual trips taken.

An additional 6.8m trips will be spread across Friday (17th) and Sunday (19th), with drivers as yet unsure which exact day they’ll make their getaways. Another 16.2m are expected to make their escape during the week between today (Monday) and Thursday, as some people stagger their trips in a bid to beat the traffic.

Despite fuel prices being much higher than last summer – costing £8.90 more to fill a 55-litre family-sized car with petrol, or £12.20 in the case of diesel – people are undeterred from travelling.

Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset, along with the Northwest of England, will see the highest number of holidaymakers, with RAC figures showing 9% flocking to these destinations.

The Sussex and Kent coasts are also popular destinations (8%), with another 8% going to Scotland, 7% to East Anglia and 6% to Wales.

Figures from transport data experts INRIX show that getaway traffic will cause delays on major routes, starting on Thursday 16 July on the M25 clockwise J15 to J19, with 40-minute delays predicted from 7pm. The M1 South between J16 to J6 is also expected to be badly affected that day, with delays of around 80 minutes from 10am.

Friday 17 July will see delays of around 45 minutes on the M25 anticlockwise from J17 to J12 from 7am. In the Northwest, the M60 clockwise J7 to J18 will see delays of around half-an-hour from 4.30pm.

The ‘Saturday summer scramble’ will be at its worst on the M25 anticlockwise J17 to J12 with delays of around half-an-hour from 2pm.

The Port of Dover advises anyone departing by ferry not to arrive any earlier than two hours before their sailing, and to always stick to main routes when travelling to the port to avoid congestion on other local roads.

RAC breakdown spokesperson Harriet Hernando said: “The great British summer staycation is about to get off to a flying start, with many opting to stay in the UK instead of travelling abroad. This could be down to people having more confidence in the weather, as well as concerns over cancelled flights, higher air fares and EU border delays, which are no fun with a family in tow.

“Household budgets have also been squeezed thanks to high fuel costs caused by the Iran war, meaning many may be opting to spend their summer holidays here rather than battle with the expense of going abroad.

“Drivers should be ready for the ‘Saturday summer scramble’ and plan their journeys, thinking about setting off earlier or later in the day to avoid traffic jams. People should prepare for delays and getting stuck in a jam in potentially very hot weather. This means ensuring your car is ‘summer-ready’ – checking that oil and coolant are topped up and making sure that tyres have plenty of tread and are pumped up to the correct pressures.

“During the June heatwave, our patrols attended a fifth more breakdowns. Top faults included tyres – with blowouts more common in the heat as pressure in the tyre builds – batteries and, of course, overheated engines. But with the right TLC, similar breakdowns can be avoided during the big summer getaway

“Drivers whose vehicles have pre-existing problems like a warning light on the dashboard should get these checked by an RAC Mobile Mechanic or reputable garage before attempting to set out on their summer holidays. There is often last-minute availability, just go to rac.co.uk to book.

“People should also carry plenty of water, as well as suncream and an umbrella to provide shade. A phone charger and a portable battery pack is also a must in the event that you need to call for breakdown assistance.”