Reports of 'hour-long' queues for petrol at Costco Bushey

Long lines of traffic have been photographed on approach to the petrol station at Costco in Hartspring Lane, Bushey, this week.

Drivers claim to have waited more than an hour before getting to the pumps, according to reports in The Sun and The Mirror.

While an increase in global oil prices as a result of the war in Iran does appear likely, motorists are advised against any panic buying.

AA president Edmund King said prices will “inevitably increase” in the coming weeks but stressed there was “no need for drivers to break their refuelling routine” because it takes time for higher wholesale costs to filter through to the pump.

The Costco location has long had problems with queues when large numbers head to the pumps (Picture from 2022) (Image: Newsquest)

RAC head of policy Simon Williams agreed the conflict has the potential to push up pump prices in the UK, but that it was not a certainty.

“The oil price would have to rise significantly and stay that way for some time to have a dramatic effect,” he said.

Other experts suggested that motorists could see price rises happen gradually for both petrol and diesel.

The Prime Minister’s spokesperson has been quoted as saying the government is “monitoring the situation closely” but similarly played down any panic.

“The UK benefits from strong and diverse security of energy supplies,” he added. “There are currently no reported impacts to UK fuel supply.”