Petrol and diesel fuel prices in the UK could be set to spike after Donald Trump's airstrikes in Iran. Ahead of the strike, a series of experts had warned that conflict could push up the price of Brent crude oil, which would have a knock-on effect on petrol and diesel pump prices.

Barclays are among those to make the suggestion, claiming that Brent crude could rise to around $80 per barrel if there were a disruption to supplies. Iran is one of the world's biggest oil exporters, holding some of the world's largest reserves with production at over 3million barrels per day. Brent crude oil is one of the primary components used in the production of petrol and diesel in the UK, meaning British road users could become directly affected.

Although the UK imports much of its oil from the USA and Norway, the UK takes some fuel from the region. Just days ago, Brent crude oil hit its highest level since July, with prices reaching $72.50 a barrel as traders reacted to increased tensions between the US and Iran.

Rohit Parmar-Mistry, founder of Pattrn Data predicted that any military action could be an "economic wrecking ball".

Last week, Rohit said: "The immediate casualty? The desperately-needed downtick in UK petrol prices. Any prolonged campaign in the Gulf will send crude soaring, and that pain hits the pumps instantly."

Meanwhile, Tony Redondo, founder of Newquay-based Cosmos Currency Exchange, warned that Brent crude oil prices had already surged past $71 a barrel and warned that a permanent disruption could push crude prices past $110 per barrel. Tony stressed this would immediately "end the recent downtick in UK petrol prices, as retailers pass on costs to motorists".

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Barclays Bank added: "While it is entirely possible that an escalation does not lead to a supply disruption and the $3-5/b risk premium in oil prices fades quickly, even a 1 mb/d supply outage would further question the widely expected supply glut and push Brent to $80/b, in our view."

RAC Fuel Watch shows petrol prices have dipped in January, with costs falling from 135.28p per litre to 131.91p. Diesel prices also fell across the first month of the year, with costs dipping from 144.18p per litre to 140.97p.