UK contingency plans for fuel rationing include a temporary 50 mph national speed limit as diesel nears record prices

Pump prices for diesel and petrol rose across the UK through September 2026. On Sunday, September 27, averages were reported at about 199.05p a litre for diesel and 174.04p for petrol. The RAC noted that the diesel average sat just under the previous record of 199.09p and forecast that the record would likely be surpassed.

The article links the upward pressure on pump prices to international instability, specifically continued conflict involving Iran, which has affected global supply routes and refinery operations. That, together with refining and distribution factors, has pushed wholesale costs higher and led retailers to pass on price increases at the forecourt.

What the government already has on file

Zero (DESNZ) has a published National Emergency Plan for Fuel (NEP-F). The plan sets out graduated responses to supply disruption and lists operational measures that could be applied during a severe national shortage. These include:

• Prioritising filling stations and deliveries for emergency services and public transport.
• Directing bulk deliveries and road diesel to fleets that move food, medicine and other critical goods.
• Implementing maximum-purchase caps per visit and shortening pump opening hours.
• Temporarily lowering speed limits nationwide to 50 mph to reduce fuel demand.
• Formal allocation of crude and imported petroleum products if necessary.

Activation of the NEP-F measures would require the government to use emergency powers under the Energy Act 1976. DESNZ says those powers are reserved for the most severe disruptions and will be considered only when an incident has the potential to cause significant and widespread disruption to oil supply.

As of July 2026, the UK reportedly had about 42 days of diesel stock — a level identified as low compared with other developed nations (Australia was noted as having lower levels). Low stock levels give context to planning but do not automatically mean rationing will be imposed.

Who decides and how decisions are described

At the time of the report, the contingency measures remained on the shelf. Diesel was fractionally below the previous all-time record, and the 50 mph speed limit appeared explicitly as a possible temporary measure in the NEP-F. Public statements referenced by the article signal that the government maintains plans but has not moved to impose rationing or a nationwide speed reduction.