Rural UK ‘particularly at risk’ of diesel shortages if Iran war continues

A fuel lorry delivering oil to a rural household. The OECD has said the UK will also face a challenge from increased fertiliser costs. Photograph: David Calvert/Alamy

Rural areas in the UK would be particularly at risk of diesel shortages if the conflict in Iran continues to squeeze supplies, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has warned.

The OECD predicted economic growth of 0.9% in the UK this year – a modest upgrade from the 0.7% it feared in March when it last updated its forecasts. It said government spending will help to support the economy in the short term.