LIVE: Smoke rises above Bahrain international airport

Starmer says Government will ‘step in’ to protect Brits from profiteering

Sir Keir Starmer has issued a stern warning to the government, emphasizing that profiteering or unfair practices in the wake of climbing oil prices will not be tolerated.

The Prime Minister has made it clear that he is prepared to take action if companies exploit the situation in the Middle East to overcharge customers.

Oil prices have surged following Iran’s retaliatory strikes, which came after US and Israeli attacks. This has led to an increase in energy costs, significantly impacting home heating oil bills.

During a visit to Northern Ireland, the Prime Minister remarked that “global instability has tangible effects on the everyday lives of people across the UK.”

Tensions with Tehran have disrupted shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for international oil and gas supplies.

On Wednesday, the International Energy Agency announced plans to release 400 million barrels of oil into global markets, with 13.5 million barrels coming from the UK, aiming to mitigate short-term market disruptions.

Prices reached near four-year highs above 100 US dollars a barrel on Monday, before falling on Tuesday as US President Donald Trump signalled the war could soon be over.

Early on Thursday, the price of Brent crude oil – the international benchmark – topped 100 dollars per barrel (£74), while the US crude oil price rose to about 95 dollars (£71) a barrel.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer leaves 10 Downing Street to attend PMQs on March 11, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

You May Also Like

I Visited JD Vance’s Ohio Hometown—Why Republicans Should Worry

The wooden front door of JD Vance’s childhood home on McKinley Street…

Sam Wood and Snezana Wood Face Separation Claims as Bail Court Hears Drug Use Allegations

Bachelor star Sam Wood and his wife, Snezana, are expected to separate,…

Pentagon Warns European Leaders Against ‘Poking’ Russia

The Pentagon has privately urged European leaders to stop “poking” Russia, after…

Met Police Refer Watchdog Over Letter Sent to Meghan Markle About Her Father

The Metropolitan Police has referred itself to the police watchdog over a…

Ukrainian Man Charged After Prince Albert of Monaco’s Cousin Antoine de Massy Found Dead Aged 29

Antoine de Massy, a cousin of Monaco’s Prince Albert II, was found…

Daniel Hannan: When Will Voters Accept There’s No Magic Money Tree?

How timid and disengaged so many of us have become: grateful for…

Police Probe Claims Epstein Women Were Trafficked to Balmoral

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is facing a fresh police investigation into allegations that Jeffrey…

Trump Launches Criminal Investigation Into Alleged Illegal Voting

The Trump administration has opened a criminal investigation into California’s voter registration…

Michelle Parker’s Ex Offered $2K for Sex Before Her Disappearance

Newly unsealed court documents are shedding light on the events that preceded…

HYROX Athlete Apologises After U-Turn Over Race Incident

HYROX athlete Joanna Wietrzyk, who won a race after suffering bowel incontinence…

Gavin Newsom’s Weirdest Moments in Jimmy Kimmel Lovefest

California Gov. Gavin Newsom appeared on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Wednesday night,…

Video Shows SoCal Dad Arrested in Wife’s Lover’s Fatal Stabbing

Neighbors of a California father accused of fatally stabbing his wife’s alleged…