UK fuel rationing: emergency services get diesel first

The UK government's National Emergency Plan for Fuel confirms that emergency services and critical service vehicles would receive first priority for diesel rationing if contingency plans are activated, ahead of all other drivers and sectors. The plan outlines a strict hierarchy: utilities like gas, electricity, and water suppliers come next, followed by public transport including buses and diesel trains. Commercial vehicles, such as lorries delivering food and health supplies, would then be prioritized, with general public drivers facing purchase limits and reduced station hours last. These measures, authorized under the Energy Act 1976, would only be deployed during a severe national fuel shortage. The UK currently has just 42 days of diesel supplies, with average diesel prices at 198.89p per litre.