How the Iran Conflict is Hitting UK Haulage — And What It Means for Your Pallet Supply

The conflict in the Middle East is no longer just a geopolitical story — it's landing directly on the desks of UK logistics operators, warehouse managers, and anyone who depends on road freight to move goods.

Since fighting escalated in late February 2026, Brent crude has surged dramatically, with diesel at UK forecourts climbing sharply in just a matter of weeks. For hauliers running fleets of HGVs, those are costs that don't disappear — they get passed down the supply chain.

What's driving the price spike?

The Strait of Hormuz — the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman — carries around a fifth of the world's oil supply. With shipping through the strait severely disrupted, hundreds of tankers have been anchored outside the route, unable to deliver. The knock-on effect on global oil markets has been immediate and significant.

For UK haulage companies, diesel is their single biggest operating cost after driver wages. When pump prices rise sharply in a short period, margins that were already tight become untenable. Some smaller operators are already pausing non-essential routes or consolidating deliveries to reduce mileage.

What does this mean for pallet supply?

Pallets move on lorries. When lorry operators face fuel cost pressure, collection and delivery schedules tighten, turnaround times slow, and the cost of moving stock rises. Businesses that rely on regular pallet supply — whether buying new pallets, selling used ones, or having waste pallets collected — may start to notice delays or surcharges from some suppliers.

At PR Pallets, our three strategically located sites in Hertfordshire, Essex, and Suffolk mean we minimise unnecessary mileage on every collection and delivery. We've always operated lean, efficient routes — and that matters more now than ever.

What should businesses do now?

If you rely on regular pallet deliveries, now is a good time to review your supply arrangements. Building a small buffer stock, locking in regular collection schedules, and working with a supplier who holds large volumes of stock locally can all reduce your exposure to disruption.

We're here to help. Get in touch to talk through your requirements.