Rural UK ‘particularly at risk’ of diesel shortages if Iran war continues

OECD forecast sets out economic risks from conflict, pointing to potential shortfalls to key energy products

• OECD predicts spate of recessions globally if Iran conflict drags into 2027

Rural areas in the UK would be particularly at risk of diesel shortages if the conflict in Iran continues to squeeze supplies, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has warned.

The OECD predicted economic growth of 0.9% in the UK this year – a modest upgrade from the 0.7% it feared in March when it last updated its forecasts. It said government spending will help to support the economy in the short term.