Britain Prepares Backup Strategy to Deal with Energy Supply Shortages

ILLUSTRATION UNSPLASH/Lawrence Krowdeed

JAKARTA - British Prime Minister's Principal Secretary Darren Jones said the government was stepping up its reserve strategy amid concerns that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the world's main oil and gas shipping route, would disrupt supplies.

"The UK government is stepping up efforts to protect the country from the economic impact of the Iran war," Jones added, while a number of officials warned that higher prices could persist for months, even after the conflict ends.

"We are currently preparing ourselves and reducing the impact on our economy and domestic security as much as possible, as a result of the conflict," said the former deputy finance minister of the United Kingdom, as reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Monday, April 27.

Meanwhile, ministers in the UK stressed that there was currently no shortage of fuel, so that the public could continue to make purchases as normal.

However, the British ministerial ranks still coordinate to maintain a stable supply chain by holding meetings twice a week.

Jones also stressed that price pressures could occur which would impact British citizens facing higher costs for energy, food, and flights.

"Our best estimate is that eight months after the resolution point occurs, we will all feel the economic impact across the system. So, people will face rising prices in the energy, food, and air ticket sectors, as a consequence of what (US President) Donald Trump has done in the Middle East," he said.

According to the BBC, disruptions to energy and transport production due to the conflict have pushed up costs globally, while officials have drawn up worst-case scenarios, including the potential for food shortages, if the situation worsens.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will lead a cabinet meeting this week to coordinate ministers' responses.

The British government is also working with international partners to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and stabilize the market.

Despite these concerns, the British government has prepared measures, including support for fuel and energy costs, efforts to secure CO2 supplies for the food industry, and coordination with global partners on emergency oil reserves.

Jones reiterated that although Britain was trying to limit the impact, various situations abroad would still have an effect on conditions in the country.