How Iran war is affecting UK households: From energy bills to petrol prices

Business & FinancePersonal Finance
28 May 2026 • 12:07 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

How Iran war is affecting UK households: From energy bills to petrol prices

  • UK households face a significant financial squeeze, with energy bills set to rise by more than £221 a year from July, increasing the typical household cost to £1,862 due to a 13 per cent hike in Ofgem's price cap.
  • This surge in energy costs, the largest since 2023, is attributed to global energy market instability following the US and Israel's invasion on 28 February.
  • Motorists are paying significantly more for fuel, with petrol prices hitting a new high since the conflict began, adding approximately £14.63 to a 55-litre tank, a 20 per cent increase.
  • Food costs are also projected to rise, with grocery bills potentially increasing by up to 10 per cent across 2026, adding an estimated £588 to a typical annual household shopping bill.
  • Mortgage rates have climbed, with the average two-year residential fix up 0.89 percentage points to 5.73 per cent since 28 February, potentially increasing annual repayments by over £821 for an average mortgage.

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