Could an Iran–US War Push Up Your Energy Bills?

Rising tensions between the US and Iran have sparked fresh concerns over global energy markets. Most notably, Iran has threatened to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which around 20–25 % of the world’s oil and LNG passes daily. If Iran were to carry out that threat, it could herald another surge in energy bills, and this time, the effects could be even more severe than during the crisis caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

What Would a Hormuz Closure Mean for Energy Prices?

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for global oil and gas. Any disruption—even threats—can cause sharp spikes in global commodity prices:

• Around 20 million barrels of oil flow through the strait each day.
  
• A full or even partial closure would shut down a huge portion of global supply instantly.
  
• Analysts warn it could cause oil prices to surge above USD 100/barrel, dramatically impacting global energy and inflation.
  
• Shipping insurance and freight costs would rise steeply, potentially triggering broader inflation across food, goods, and transport .
  
• Such an energy shock would ripple into gas prices as well—as oil sets broader fuel price benchmarks in the UK and Europe.
  

Comparing to the Ukraine War: How Bad Could It Be?

The 2022 invasion of Ukraine upended global energy markets:

• The Ukraine war triggered a major energy crisis: domestic energy bills hit record highs and wholesale costs surged. The energy price cap soared to over £2,500 / year. 
  
• The Hormuz risk could be worse, according to analysts. Blocking the strait would impact up to 30 % of global oil and gas output, dwarfing the scale of disruption seen during Ukraine.
  
• The IMF has warned of secondary impacts, rising energy costs dragging on global growth.
  
• UK households could see bills doubling or tripling, with some forecasts suggesting annual costs of £4,500, a steep rise from current levels.
  

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

When global events push up energy costs, being proactive at home makes all the difference:

🔋 1. Invest in Plug‑and‑Play Solar Kits

Balcony or portable solar systems let you generate and use your own electricity, reducing reliance on the grid altogether.

🪫 2. Add a Home Battery

Pair solar with a battery like Evercharge to store cheap or surplus power, ideal for powering your home during peak price periods.

🏷 3. Support Salary‑Sacrifice Clean Energy

Campaign for pay‑through‑salary schemes that reduce the upfront cost of solar and batteries for UK workers.

⚡ 4. Use Smarter Tariffs and Better Habits

Shift energy use to off‑peak hours, use energy-efficient appliances, and monitor your usage closely with smart meters.

📰 5. Stay Informed and Act Early

Watch energy news and renewables policy changes. If prices are set to rise, consider locking in better tariffs or fixed-price plans before the wave hits.

The Age of Uncertainty

We now live in a time when news from the other side of the world can directly affect your household finances. Conflicts in the Gulf or Europe are no longer distant problems, they influence what you see on your energy bill each month.

By taking control at home, through solar, batteries, smarter energy use, and supporting policy change, you’re not just saving money. You’re also helping build a more resilient, independent UK energy system.

In unpredictable times, personal action isn’t just relevant... it’s essential.