Ed Miliband will stand in for Andy Burnham on an emergency G7 call this afternoon to discuss world energy markets as the Prime Minister attends his father’s funeral.
The Foreign Secretary is expected to join French president Emmanuel Macron and other leaders for talks amid US pressure on European countries to use their diesel reserves.
Ministers have sought to reassure the public amid concerns about supply as prices reached a record high of £2 a litre.
The RAC said average prices are now 200.01p. The previous record high was 199.09p, set in June 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
US president Donald Trump has said he “may” call for Europe to draw down on its stores.
Diesel prices have soared in recent months because of the disruption to global supplies caused by the US-Israeli war against Iran and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Read MoreWhat is happening with diesel – and should we be worried?
US adds disappointing 29,000 jobs as unemployment ticks up to 4.2%
Scot bailed from Indian prison remains in grave danger, campaigners warn
