UK maritime warnings and reporting of increased military activity around the Strait of Hormuz have raised alarms for shipping and energy markets, though Iran has said it does not intend to close the strait. Some tankers are avoiding the route, and analysts warn that any sustained disruption could push up oil prices and shipping costs. Businesses and drivers should expect possible short-term fuel-price volatility if tensions persist.

Update: Diesel rises 10.5 cents year-to-date

Portuguese motoring association ACP data cited by ECO show diesel has risen about €0.105 per litre since the start of the year and petrol by €0.055; this Monday suppliers reported an additional ~€0.03 rise for diesel and ~€0.02 for petrol. Sources link the fresh increases to wider Middle East tensions, saying further upward pressure on pump prices is possible if shipping risks continue.