Warning price hikes on energy, food, and flights will persist for months

WorldPolitics
26 Apr 2026 • 6:23 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Warning price hikes on energy, food, and flights will persist for months

  • A government minister has warned that price increases for energy, food, and flights will persist for at least eight months after the Iran war concludes.
  • Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, Darren Jones, attributed these economic impacts to "what Donald Trump has done in the Middle East."
  • The government has intensified its planning to mitigate potential shortages, particularly following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane.
  • A Cabinet committee and a ministerial contingency group are meeting regularly to monitor stock levels and address supply chain disruptions, though price rises are expected more than empty shelves.
  • Leaked contingency plans, codenamed "Exercise Turnstone," revealed a "reasonable worst-case scenario" could lead to severe carbon dioxide shortages, significantly affecting farming and hospitality.

IN FULL