Europe could face fuel shortages this month unless Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz (above), says the boss of Europe’s biggest oil company, Shell.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow shipping lane that’s used to transport one fifth of the world’s supplies of oil and gas. Iran stopped most ships from passing through it after it was attacked by the USA and Israel on 28 February, and this blockage has caused global energy prices to soar.

Some Asian countries have started rationing (limiting) the amount of fuel that people can buy at petrol stations to save supplies. Wael Sawan, Shell’s chief executive, said Europe’s supplies could be at risk “as we get into April”.

On Friday 27 March, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps banned shipping by “allies and supporters of the Israeli-American enemies”, and added that any passage through the strait would face “harsh penalties.”

However, US President Donald Trump claims that negotiations to end the war are going “very well”, and a peace deal could be reached “very quickly”. After meeting world leaders, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the war will last “weeks, not months”, and that ground troops wouldn’t be needed in the war – despite Mr Trump sending thousands of soldiers to the Middle East last week.

How is the UK reacting?

On Monday (30 March), Prime Minister Keir Starmer invited business leaders to Downing Street to discuss the impact of the war on the British economy. A government spokesperson told the Guardian newspaper that the country has a “diverse and resilient energy supply”.

The UK is also working on ways to reduce its reliance on fuel from overseas, and generate more clean energy here.

From 2028, no new homes will be connected to the gas network, and builders will be required to install solar panels and heat pumps (electric heating systems).

The government is also pledging £1 billion to help British businesses swap to electric trucks and vans, and install chargers at their depots – helping the environment, too.