Before the US-Israel war with Iran, essential travel and household costs were already difficult for many families. Now, rising fuel and energy prices are adding fresh pressure to daily life across the UK.

Naomi, whose 10-year-old daughter Riziah has complex medical needs, must regularly travel for vital hospital care. Since the war began, the family says diesel costs have risen sharply, adding around £30 a week to their expenses. “We’ve just filled up the van and it’s cost us just short of £130,” Naomi said. “How is that doable?”

The rising costs are especially difficult for families who cannot cut back on travel, heating or electricity. Riziah relies on medical devices that use extra power, and the home must be kept warm for her health. Naomi said, “I don’t want the children to see how worried we are.”

Fuel price rises are linked to disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil route. Higher oil and gas prices are expected to feed into UK energy bills, while food prices may also rise later this year. For food charities, this means more households could be pushed into crisis as essential costs increase.