The government is being advised to promote remote work for UK citizens to prevent energy shortages following the conflict in Iran.
Professor Nick Butler, a former BP executive, suggested that it would be wise for authorities to recommend employees to work from home. He highlighted concerns about diesel prices potentially exceeding £2 per liter due to the surge in oil prices triggered by the US-Israel-Iran conflict.
Countries in Asia are already implementing work-from-home strategies in response to the crisis. Prof Butler emphasized the importance of testing public willingness to adapt to remote work, noting that people tend to follow suit when others do the same.
When asked about governmental intervention to encourage remote work, Prof Butler supported the idea as a sensible measure. He also warned that diesel prices could escalate further in the coming months, leading to supply shortages and substantial price hikes in late April and early May.
RAC’s head of policy, Simon Williams, observed that petrol and diesel prices have stabilized after a continuous increase over 43 days. He anticipated a decrease in forecourt prices as wholesale fuel costs have decreased, providing relief to drivers facing high fuel expenses.
As per Williams, petrol and diesel prices are expected to drop in the near future, bringing some respite to consumers who have experienced significant cost hikes at the pumps due to the ongoing conflict.