Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury's forecourt change to kick in 'within hours'

Road users risk soaring petrol and diesel prices at the pumps on Friday, June 13, in the wake of the Iran and Israel tensions.

Petrol and diesel prices are expected to skyrocket in the UK "within hours", it is feared, after an Israeli drone attack on Iran.

Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury's motorists and road users risk soaring petrol and diesel prices at the pumps on Friday, June 13, in the wake of the Iran and Israel tensions.

Data suggests that oil is on course for its largest weekly gain in around three years, in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. According to the latest data from RAC Fuel Watch, petrol drivers are paying 132.13p per litre, while diesel costs around 6p more at £1.38.

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Saul Kavonic, head of energy research at MST Financial, said: "What we see now is very initial risk-on reaction. But over the next day or two, the market will need to factor in where this could escalate to."

Defence minister Israel Katz warned that Israel would “eliminate” its foes after it carried out airstrikes on Iran targeting military and nuclear sites, reports Agence France-Presse (AFP).

“The precise targeting of senior commanders of the Revolutionary Guards, the Iranian military, and nuclear scientists – all of whom were involved in advancing the plan to destroy Israel – sends a strong and clear message: those who work toward Israel’s destruction will be eliminated,” Katz said in a statement.

He further warned that Iran “will pay an increasingly heavy price the longer it continues its aggressive actions” against Israel. In an earlier statement, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel “must await a severe punishment”.

It added: "By God’s will, the powerful hand of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic will not let it [Israel] go unpunished.

"In the enemy’s attacks, several commanders and scientists were martyred. Their successors and colleagues will immediately carry on their duties, God willing.

"With this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared a bitter and painful fate for itself – and it will undoubtedly receive it."

Iran said Israel’s deadly attacks on Friday underscored its need to advance uranium enrichment and missile capabilities.

“One should not speak to such a predatory regime except in the language of power,” the Iranian government said in a statement.

“The world now better understands Iran’s insistence on the right to enrichment, nuclear technology, and missile power.”